European defense spending no longer a laughing matter: 2023 Preview

European defense spending no longer a laughing matter: 2023 Preview
European defense spending no longer a laughing matter: 2023 Preview

2023 will bring with it an expectation that Germany and the collection of 19 other NATO countries that committed to increase defense spending after Russia invaded Ukraine, act on those plans.

In Singapore, Boeing touts P-8 Poseidon multi-sensor pod, for more ‘multi-mission’ uses

In Singapore, Boeing touts P-8 Poseidon multi-sensor pod, for more ‘multi-mission’ uses
In Singapore, Boeing touts P-8 Poseidon multi-sensor pod, for more ‘multi-mission’ uses

The new pod takes the P-8 “and further expands it to be truly multi-int and multi-spectral,” a Boeing rep said.

F-35B to fly at Singapore Air Show, plus B-52 flyby & Indian Light Combat Aircraft

F-35B to fly at Singapore Air Show, plus B-52 flyby & Indian Light Combat Aircraft
F-35B to fly at Singapore Air Show, plus B-52 flyby & Indian Light Combat Aircraft

An F-35B from US Marine Corps Fighter Attack Squadron 121 at Iwakuni will remind China of its ability to do vertical landings and short takeoffs from islands and bases throughout the Indo-Pacific region.

Boeing offers P-8A to replace Canada’s CP-140 patrol fleet

Boeing offers P-8A to replace Canada’s CP-140 patrol fleet
Boeing offers P-8A to replace Canada’s CP-140 patrol fleet

Boeing’s offer comes as the US Navy has stopped purchasing new P-8As for the foreseeable future.

India Getting P-8s In New Deal That Includes Local Investment

India Getting P-8s In New Deal That Includes Local Investment
India Getting P-8s In New Deal That Includes Local Investment

“We are committed to delivering offset programs that are in line with India’s Defence Acquisition Procedure and meet the Indian government’s stated goals, including strengthening India’s aerospace capabilities,” a Boeing statement says.

Norway, US Bolster Russian Sub Watching With New Bases

Norway, US Bolster Russian Sub Watching With New Bases
Norway, US Bolster Russian Sub Watching With New Bases

The US government will pay for all facilities it builds on Norwegian soil, and will not permanently base any troops there, officials in Oslo were quick to point out.

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.

Two US Destroyers Enter Black Sea; Russia Responds

Two US Destroyers Enter Black Sea; Russia Responds
Two US Destroyers Enter Black Sea; Russia Responds

The deployment of the two US Navy ships, along with a refueling ship, is the largest American presence in the waterway in three years.

$2.3T Spending Bill Cuts $2B From DoD Request: $3.7B Shifted For Va. Class Sub & P-8s

$2.3T Spending Bill Cuts $2B From DoD Request: $3.7B Shifted For Va. Class Sub & P-8s
$2.3T Spending Bill Cuts $2B From DoD Request: $3.7B Shifted For Va. Class Sub & P-8s

With a presidential veto hanging in the air, Congress charges ahead on huge federal spending votes.

Small RIMPAC Ends With Big Allied Missile Barrage

Small RIMPAC Ends With Big Allied Missile Barrage
Small RIMPAC Ends With Big Allied Missile Barrage

A video released by the Navy shows Harpoon ship-killing missiles launched by the Canadian frigate HMCS Regina and US destroyer USS Lake Erie tearing into the ship, along with a French-made Exocet missile fired by an offshore patrol vessel from Brunei.

‘Ships Don’t Feed Hungry Children:’ Dems Rip GOP COVID Bill

‘Ships Don’t Feed Hungry Children:’ Dems Rip GOP COVID Bill
‘Ships Don’t Feed Hungry Children:’ Dems Rip GOP COVID Bill

“You don’t have to be a doctor or a four-star general to understand that spending billions on new helicopters, combat vehicles, and fighter jets is not the solution” to the COIVD problem, said Rep. Adam Smith, Chairman of the House Armed Services Committee.

House Appropriators Add 12 F-35s, Boost Weapons Spending, But…

House Appropriators Add 12 F-35s, Boost Weapons Spending, But…
House Appropriators Add 12 F-35s, Boost Weapons Spending, But…

“To us, it means that there is going to be much more tension and debate over future modernization programs as flat investment will not enable DoD to recapitalize in a timely and militarily relevant pace,” says defense analyst Byron Callan.

New Navy Secretary Makes Surprise Trip to Norway

New Navy Secretary Makes Surprise Trip to Norway
New Navy Secretary Makes Surprise Trip to Norway

Braithwaite’s travel to Oslo will see him formally relinquish his ambassadorship there, a unique situation that has seen him hold two Senate-confirmed positions simultaneously.  

B-1B Flies Dark Close To Russia, Over Kurils; China Announces Defense Budget

B-1B Flies Dark Close To Russia, Over Kurils; China Announces Defense Budget
B-1B Flies Dark Close To Russia, Over Kurils; China Announces Defense Budget

“This B-1 left from home base, got a great training mission, and showed its capability for a 29-hour round-trip into the super-busy airspace around Japan where Chinese and Russian fighters routinely buzz the borders.”