Pentagon finally approves F-35 for full rate production after 5-year delay

Pentagon finally approves F-35 for full rate production after 5-year delay
Pentagon finally approves F-35 for full rate production after 5-year delay

The “Milestone C” decision is a crucial moment signifying the department’s confidence in the performance of the F-35 and maturity of Lockheed Martin’s production system, though the plane has been in service for years.

New Pentagon weapons tester pledges to eschew defense contractor jobs after departure

New Pentagon weapons tester pledges to eschew defense contractor jobs after departure
New Pentagon weapons tester pledges to eschew defense contractor jobs after departure

“I share your commitment to maintaining the public’s trust in the Department of Defense,” Douglas Schmidt, the new director of operational test and evaluation, said in the letter to Sen. Elizabeth Warren.

Space Force to pioneer ‘integrated testing,’ digital range concepts

Space Force to pioneer ‘integrated testing,’ digital range concepts
Space Force to pioneer ‘integrated testing,’ digital range concepts

“We absolutely believe we will save money,” said Vice Chief of Space Operations Gen. DT Thompson. Other military departments are looking into a similar approach, another Space Force officer said.

Top oversight Dems to Pentagon: Stop ‘hiding’ info on weapons programs from public

Top oversight Dems to Pentagon: Stop ‘hiding’ info on weapons programs from public
Top oversight Dems to Pentagon: Stop ‘hiding’ info on weapons programs from public

In a letter obtained by Breaking Defense, lawmakers called on Sec. Austin to review the “controlled unclassified information” and “publicly release the greatest amount of information possible about these systems, consistent with the continued protection of sensitive information.”

Warren slams Pentagon for restricting unclassified info on weapon flaws

Warren slams Pentagon for restricting unclassified info on weapon flaws
Warren slams Pentagon for restricting unclassified info on weapon flaws

“This unjustified restriction of public access will not serve to protect national security information but will instead be abused to avoid disclosure of failures in our major weapons programs,” wrote Sen. Elizabeth Warren, citing Breaking Defense reporting.

Getting lost: Yet more delays to Space Force protected GPS program

Getting lost: Yet more delays to Space Force protected GPS program
Getting lost: Yet more delays to Space Force protected GPS program

Some services have turned to commercial solutions for receivers as delays mount, report says.

Pentagon tester to restrict info on weapons programs, raising transparency concerns

Pentagon tester to restrict info on weapons programs, raising transparency concerns
Pentagon tester to restrict info on weapons programs, raising transparency concerns

“I worry that this will end up [resulting] in a watered down version of the report that makes it more difficult for the press and the public to make sure that we are buying weapon systems that are effective and safe,” said Mandy Smithberger of the Project On Government Oversight.

New schedule for critical F-35 simulation tests coming in early 2022

New schedule for critical F-35 simulation tests coming in early 2022
New schedule for critical F-35 simulation tests coming in early 2022

Before the F-35 can be declared ready for full-rate production, it must complete tests in the Pentagon’s Joint Simulation Environment.

Colonial Pipeline Hack Shows Peril Of Ignoring Military Cyber Vulnerabilities: Kendall

Colonial Pipeline Hack Shows Peril Of Ignoring Military Cyber Vulnerabilities: Kendall
Colonial Pipeline Hack Shows Peril Of Ignoring Military Cyber Vulnerabilities: Kendall

The ransomware attack on Colonial Pipeline in May underscores the urgency for the Pentagon to safeguard its transportation and logistics enterprise, defense officials said.

Pentagon Pushes Testing For Electronic Warfare Vulnerabilities

Pentagon Pushes Testing For Electronic Warfare Vulnerabilities
Pentagon Pushes Testing For Electronic Warfare Vulnerabilities

Despite a 2018 mandate for “electronic protection” against jamming, there’s little data available showing how vulnerable systems are, said EW director David Tremper.

Israelis Worry About CH-53K King Stallion Engines

Israelis Worry About CH-53K King Stallion Engines
Israelis Worry About CH-53K King Stallion Engines

The US Director of Operational Test and Evaluation’s annual report says the CH-53K engine’s performance degrades bellow the accepted minimum after 21 minutes of dust exposure. This is causing great concern in the IAF as it eyes buying the first batch of 20 helicopters.

Testing Concerns Won’t Delay Tactical Network Upgrades: Army

Testing Concerns Won’t Delay Tactical Network Upgrades: Army
Testing Concerns Won’t Delay Tactical Network Upgrades: Army

The Pentagon’s top tester, DOT&E, had urged the Army to take more time. But Army leaders said today they’ve got plenty of field tests scheduled with real soldiers.

From ‘Frankengoggle’ To Battle-Ready: Army IVAS

From ‘Frankengoggle’ To Battle-Ready: Army IVAS
From ‘Frankengoggle’ To Battle-Ready: Army IVAS

The experimental targeting goggles field-tested last fall didn’t work in the rain. The ruggedized version to be tested this month will fix that flaw – and more, the Army says.