US military readies to ‘walk and chew gum’ as multiple crises loom

Now, there’s a growing sense among national security experts that the crisis in Ukraine is just one of many conflicts on the precipice, putting pressure on the alliance and its member countries to address this threat and at the same time brace for the next one.

DoD must focus on skilled cyber defenders, not just new tech, warns weapons tester

DOT&E recommends the department refocus cybersecurity efforts on people rather than technology alone.

Russia can now attack Ukraine with ‘very little warning,’ Pentagon leaders warn

U.S. defense leaders warned Friday that President Vladimir Putin “clearly now has the ability” to have his forces invade Ukraine with “very, very little warning,” but that U.S., NATO and Ukrainian forces stand ready to respond if that happens.

US Army’s tactical network must overcome several challenges, says Pentagon weapons tester

Some elements of the Army's modernized network were not operationally effective, DOT&E said in its annual report.

Commentary

Empower our Space Force, just as we do for the other armed services

We need to look at what the Army, Navy, Air Force and Marine Corps demand to get their jobs done, and then resource the Space Force with equivalent capabilities.

As COVID grinds on, defense sector braces for inflation hit

Inflation problems are the latest headache, following supply chain disruptions and employees out due to COVID, that defense firms must contend with.

Philippines signs deal for BrahMos supersonic anti-ship missile

The Philippines has signed a contract with an Indian company for shore-based medium-range supersonic anti-ship missiles, enhancing the U.S. ally’s ability to target adversarial ships from land.

US Navy adopts new strategy prioritizing ‘the building blocks’ of unmanned tech

The U.S. Navy is unlikely to pursue a formal program for unmanned surface vessels in the next five years, instead focusing on the enabling technologies first, several leaders say.

Shipbuilder Huntington Ingalls taps Kastner as next chief executive

They will take their new roles March 1, and Petters will stay at Huntington Ingalls through 2022.

New 5G challenge to incentivize open architecture solutions

The challenge will focus on open network concepts that could be integrated into future DoD 5G testbeds.

LCS Little Rock temporarily lost power during sea trials, returned to Mayport

USS Little Rock lost power and returned to port during its post-maintenance sea trials, two years after a similar incident involving its combining gear forced it to end its maiden deployment.

US cyber teams work with Israel on cloud defense

Air Force cyber teams exercised alongside Israeli cyber forces in the sixth iteration of Cyber Dome.

Leonardo confirms Qatar as latest M-346 jet trainer client

A spokesman for the firm confirmed the long-rumored acquisition after three of the jets were photographed at a military parade in Qatar.

US Air Force could repeat KC-46 vision system mistake, warns watchdog

GAO recommended the Air Force test a prototype of the new vision system in flight before accepting the design, among other suggestions.

F-35 fighters, 5G networks, and how the UAE is trying to balance relations between the US and China

The United Arab Emirates recently suspended F-35 acquisition talks amid U.S. concerns over a 5G vendor, but the Middle Eastern country is still carrying on with its network connectivity efforts. Will it circle back to negotiations over the aircraft?

DoD is pausing civilian COVID vaccine mandate after court ruling

Defense Department civilians will not be fired or required an exemption from COVID-19 vaccination while the lawsuit plays out.

With Spain on board, final contracts imminent for Eurodrone program

The Spanish government officially signed off on the Eurodrone program this week, giving the fourth and final government approval needed for Europe’s preeminent unmanned aerial system to progress.

US Air Force ramps up intel flights, weapons shipments to Ukraine

Flight trackers have spotted American Rivet Joint, Global Hawk, Reaper and Joint STARS aircraft, plus allied assets.

British Army taps Lockheed to upgrade air-defense command system

The British Army is upgrading its existing command-and-control, battlespace-management capabilities in a deal with Lockheed Martin UK that the contractor originally declined to bid on.

Seymour Johnson F-15Es arrive in Baltics for NATO air policing mission

At least six Strike Eagles will be flying alongside Belgian F-16s and Estonian aircraft to deter aggression.

US, NATO deliver counteroffers to Russia on defusing Ukraine war prospects

U.S. and NATO officials have separately delivered new sets of proposals to the Russian government for sorting out security concerns in Europe, while rejecting Russia’s demand that the alliance forever close its door to Ukraine.

Defense Innovation Unit highlights 2021 technology transition efforts

The Defense Innovation Unit transitioned eight projects from commercial vendors to military users last year, according to its annual report.

Federal Trade Commission alleges Lockheed had tried to limit competition before Aerojet deal

The Federal Trade Commission's complaint, released Wednesday, is heavily redacted but argues the proposed purchase of Aerojet Rocketdyne would hurt rival defense contractors in ways that would significantly reduce competition in multiple markets.

March Air Reserve Base is top pick to host new KC-46 tankers

The southern California base is slated to start flying the tankers in 2025 and be fully operational by 2027.

KC-46 vision system problems lead to $402 million charge for Boeing

Boeing and the Air Force say the new version of the KC-46's Remote Vision System remains on schedule, despite lingering problems still being worked out.

Marine Corps’ new CH-53K finally makes it to the fleet

The helicopter will help the 2nd Marine Air Wing move more "troops and equipment, at higher altitudes, faster speeds, and in more austere environments than ever before."

Navy, Marines would cut flying hours, cancel weapon purchases under full-year CR

The Navy and Marines aren't slowing their spending yet, despite worries of a full-year continuing resolution. If that CR does happen, some spending would come to a screeching halt.

Oshkosh unveils hybrid electric Joint Light Tactical Vehicle

Oshkosh has developed a hybrid electric Joint Light Tactical Vehicle as militaries worldwide warm up to the concept.