On Sept. 17th, the Air Force celebrated its birthday with pomp, circumstance and cake. Behind the celebration, however, there are dangerous trends seen within the service, including a number of key platforms that are aging out and major expenses about to hit. David Deptula, the dean of the Mitchell Institute, says the service needs to…
By David Deptula“If we get into a conflict with China, this is not going to be like a World War II conflict where we have massive elements of the industrial base that can quickly convert to manufacturing the necessities for war…that’s just not going to happen,” Rep. Rob Wittman says.
By Paul McLeary“I am worried about the state of the readiness of the nuclear triad,” Deputy SecDef nominee Kath Hicks tells the Senate Armed Services Committee this morning, “and, if confirmed, that is an area I would want to get my team in place and start to look at right away.”
By Paul McLearyThe draft bill comes after budget talks between House Dems and the White House fell apart on Friday. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell rejected today’s proposal out of hand.
By Paul McLearyHouse committee wants to hold money back from DoD until it delivers shipbuilding plans, while putting the breaks on armed unmanned surface ships.
By Paul McLearyWork on the missile tubes for the Navy’s part of the nation’s nuclear triad is months behind schedule after Babcock was smacked hard by the pandemic.
By Paul McLearyWASHINGTON: The Federal Trade Commission appears to be investigating whether Northrop Grumman acted in restraint of trade and violated an order requiring the company to sell its solid motor rocket engines on “a non-discriminatory basis to all competitors for missile contracts.” Northrop disclosed the investigation today in its quarterly report: “In October 2019, the company received…
By Colin Clark“For now, we remain in source selection” for the Ground Based Strategic Deterrent contract despite Boeing’s withdrawal, says a spokesperson for Air Force acquisition chief Will Roper.
By Theresa HitchensYou don’t see lots of op-eds from members of the House or Senate appropriations committees. Why? The so-called cardinals — whose influence has slipped with the demise of regular budget order in the two chambers — remain among the most powerful figures on Capitol Hill because they have a greater say than most of their…
By Sen. John HoevenIn any post-New START nuclear buildup, Russia will “at least initially” have an edge over the US, says retired Lt. Gen. Frank Klotz, former head of Air Force Global Strike Command.
By Theresa HitchensCritics of modernizing the U.S. nuclear triad have called to delay or even terminate the GBSD. Their arguments do not make strategic, technical or economic sense.
By Mark GunzingerWith new Columbia-class subs set to shoulder 70% of the nation’s nukes through the 2080s, the Navy is breaking it off from other sub programs.
By Paul McLearyWASHINGTON: President Donald Trump injected a fresh dose of uncertainty over defense spending Monday when he derided 2019’s defense budget — which he readily signed and has praised for months — as “Crazy!” The sharp turn in sentiment came in another dreaded early-morning presidential tweet that often shift the talking points for entire segments of…
By Paul McLeary
The absence of competition would remove cost pressure for both major contractors, which may be attractive for them but is unlikely to bode well for taxpayers.
By Chris Miller