WASHINGTON: As tensions rise between Russia and Ukraine on the Black Sea, the US is upgrading several Ukrainian naval bases to give American and NATO warships the ability to dock just miles from Russia-controlled Crimea. Centered at the Ochakiv Naval Base and the military facility at Mykolaiv — 40 miles east of Odessa and less…
By Paul McLearyThe Navy’s new $13 billion carrier has run into trouble, and the Navy has called in some outside help.
By Paul McLearyThe $750 billion defense policy bill sticks with the administration’s topline, but huge fights loom with the House version. Prepare for a long, hot summer.
By Paul McLearyFrom repelling bugs to protecting divers in dangerous waters, scientists are pushing the boundaries of biotech.
By Sydney J. Freedberg Jr.Secretary of State Mike Pompeo wants to establish a 20-country coalition to protect commercial shipping in the Middle East. But the US already leads a 33-country coalition doing just that.
By Paul McLearyThe Global Hawk was downed after two earlier shots at US drones in the region, and attacks on commercial shipping.
By Paul McLeary“Getting alongside a vessel under the cover of darkness to attach a mine underway is not an insignificant effort,” Gen. Paul Selva, vice chairman of the Joint Chiefs said today.
By Paul McLearyDemocrats and Republicans sparred all night over nukes in the 2020 defense policy bill, but the Democrats had the votes. For now.
By Paul McLearyHouse Democrats release a 2020 defense policy bill that requires the Pentagon to write plenty of reports, but eases away from the HASC Chairman’s earlier remarks on nuclear modernization.
By Paul McLearyThe battery of eight missiles, while primarily meant to test out tactics, will be capable of combat. So will a prototype battery of lasers entering service in 2021.
By Sydney J. Freedberg Jr.In a markup of the 2020 defense budget, the HASC tells the Pentagon to keep developing new tech but inform the Hill about how and where it might be used.
By Paul McLearyCapitol Hill has some concerns over the state of the Navy’s Ford-class aircraft carrier, but the Navy is moving forward with next-generation technology, fixing as it goes.
By Paul McLearyJust days after Trump again ripped the program, the Navy says the over-budget, and overdue, carrier remains beset with problems.
By Paul McLearyThe Navy is adding more ships as quickly as possible, even as it grapples with how it’s going to pay the costs to keep them afloat once it gets them, a top officer said.
By Paul McLeary