Aussies boost long-range strike with $1.7B AUD buy of 200 Tomahawks, 60 AARGM-ERs

Aussies boost long-range strike with $1.7B AUD buy of 200 Tomahawks, 60 AARGM-ERs
Aussies boost long-range strike with $1.7B AUD buy of 200 Tomahawks, 60 AARGM-ERs

“Importantly, one of the first decisions of the Albanese Labor government after the Defense Strategic Review was to allocate $4.1 billion for long-range strike and missile manufacturing over the next four years,” Pat Conroy, defense industry minister, said.

Kuwaiti Air Force’s new F-18s, Typhoons facing delivery delays

Kuwaiti Air Force’s new F-18s, Typhoons facing delivery delays
Kuwaiti Air Force’s new F-18s, Typhoons facing delivery delays

DUBAI: The year 2022 was supposed to be the year the Kuwait Air Force took almost full delivery of two long-awaited platforms that would double its size and multiply its capabilities. However, delays caused by the COVID-19 global pandemic have pushed the delivery and operationalization schedule to 2023 — which may end up a blessing…

The Swiss Picked The F-35 On Price. The Pentagon Should Listen

The Swiss Picked The F-35 On Price. The Pentagon Should Listen
The Swiss Picked The F-35 On Price. The Pentagon Should Listen

The Swiss evaluators found the networked systems of the F-35A enabled pilots to have more situational awareness and that the stealth fighter was more survivable in all mission areas. The F-35A also achieved the highest grades for product support, efficiency of maintenance and potential for collaboration with other countries.

Navy’s Plans Call For New Drones To Shoot, Spy, Jam

Navy’s Plans Call For New Drones To Shoot, Spy, Jam
Navy’s Plans Call For New Drones To Shoot, Spy, Jam

“I can clearly — in my mind — envision a way to say ‘fly a defensive combat spread, shoot on this target,’ and I will squeeze the trigger or I will enable that unmanned platform to shoot the designated target,” Rear Adm. Gregory Harris says.

No ‘New Cold War’ As US Bombers Move Into Norwegian Base

No ‘New Cold War’ As US Bombers Move Into Norwegian Base
No ‘New Cold War’ As US Bombers Move Into Norwegian Base

“I guess if someone were to take a message [from the basing agreement]  it’s that we’re not restricted to one particular location,” said Gen. Steven Basham, deputy commander of Air Forces in Europe/Africa.

Canada’s CAE Expands US Presence; Buys $1B L3Harris Training

Canada’s CAE Expands US Presence; Buys $1B L3Harris Training
Canada’s CAE Expands US Presence; Buys $1B L3Harris Training

For L3Harris, the sale helps it reach its stated goal of divesting 8 to 10 percent of revenue as part an overarching effort to reshape its business portfolio.

Aircraft Readiness Is Bad & Getting Worse: GAO

Aircraft Readiness Is Bad & Getting Worse: GAO
Aircraft Readiness Is Bad & Getting Worse: GAO

Of 46 types of aircraft surveyed – from the new F-35 to the aging JSTARS – not one met the Pentagon’s goal of being 80 percent “mission capable.” Most of them, in fact, keep getting worse.

DoD Kicks Off New Hypersonic Program; F-18 To Get Hypersonic Cruise Missile

DoD Kicks Off New Hypersonic Program; F-18 To Get Hypersonic Cruise Missile
DoD Kicks Off New Hypersonic Program; F-18 To Get Hypersonic Cruise Missile

The Pentagon will retain strict security protocols to ensure “we’re not training Chinese scientists that are going to go help their programs” said Gillian Bussey, head of the Joint Hypersonic Transition Office 

In Waning Days Of The Election, Esper Sticks To Readiness, Avoids Politics

In Waning Days Of The Election, Esper Sticks To Readiness, Avoids Politics
In Waning Days Of The Election, Esper Sticks To Readiness, Avoids Politics

The SecDef again calls for increased defense spending in future budgets, but there’s little indication budgets won’t stay flat.

HASC TacAir Skeptical ABMS Can Replace ISR Aircraft

HASC TacAir Skeptical ABMS Can Replace ISR Aircraft
HASC TacAir Skeptical ABMS Can Replace ISR Aircraft

The HASC tactical air and land forces subcommittee wants the Air Force to explain “how ABMS intends to transition demonstrated capabilities into sustainable Programs of Record.”

USS Ford Plans New Aggressive Training Schedule At Sea

USS Ford Plans New Aggressive Training Schedule At Sea
USS Ford Plans New Aggressive Training Schedule At Sea

“The ship is kickass,” the ship’s skipper said, extolling the new technologies that separate it from the current Nimitz-class carriers.

Chinese ‘Students’ Keep Getting Arrested At Key West Navy Base

Chinese ‘Students’ Keep Getting Arrested At Key West Navy Base
Chinese ‘Students’ Keep Getting Arrested At Key West Navy Base

Dean Cheng, a China analyst at the Heritage Foundation, called the inept spywork “very strange,” but noted similar acts are likely happening all across the United States.

US, Allies Getting Larger Airborne Network  With New JTRS Radios

US, Allies Getting Larger Airborne Network  With New JTRS Radios
US, Allies Getting Larger Airborne Network With New JTRS Radios

The software defined radios will make F/A-18E/F and F-22 aircraft communications nodes in a coalition network.

Esper: F-35 Won’t Hit 80% Readiness, Cites Stealth Parts

Esper: F-35 Won’t Hit 80% Readiness, Cites Stealth Parts
Esper: F-35 Won’t Hit 80% Readiness, Cites Stealth Parts

“Transparency (canopy) supply shortages continue to be the main obstacle to achieving this. We are seeking additional sources to fix unserviceable canopies,” Esper said in response to written questions from the Senate Armed Services Committee.