Building off trends established by the fiscal 2023 budget, the service is asking for even more retirements in FY24 while seeking to launch new efforts like a program to field autonomous wingmen. “We’ve built a budget that we think has a reasonable balance between current-, midterm- and longer-term investments, if you will, or capabilities,” Air Force Secretary Frank Kendall said.
By Michael MarrowNew Army mounted system won’t play favorites when it comes to C5ISR, EW and A-PNT
The CMOSS Mounted Form Factor will facilitate tech insertion for new capabilities while co-existing with the Mounted Family of Computer Systems.
A pilot shortage led to the Swedish Air Force recording 1,363 fewer flight hours in 2022 for its Gripen force than the previous year, raising raises serious questions about Swedish air power.
By Tim Martin
From supersonic cruise missiles to armed drones, the Asian power used the show in Abu Dhabi to tout its growing weapon arsenal.
By Ashley Roque
“We have a continuing and robust dialogue with the [United Arab Emirates] on these sales,” senior State Department official Stanley Brown told Breaking Defense. “We remain committed to them, even as we continue consultations to ensure that we have a clear, mutual understanding with respect to Emirati obligations.”
By Ashley Roque
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.
By Tim Martin
Finland plans on increasing its Stinger stockpile in order to “bolster” land and air defense capabilities along Europe’s northern flank, supporting the US European Command’s “top priorities” in the process, according to the State Department.
By Tim Martin
Canberra has emphasized the need for more production in Australia not just for the financial benefits, but for the strategic reality that supply lines off the island nation would likely be the first target in a conflict.
By Colin Clark
Gray Eagle is the low-cost, low-risk answer to Army modernization
Gray Eagle STOL and Gray Eagle 25M are the best options for Army aviation as it assesses where to move from its current inflection point.
The F-35 fleet was stood down on July 29th due to concerns related to the ejection seat propulsion system.
By Aaron Mehta
The stand-down follows the Navy grounding an undisclosed number of jets due to concerns with ejection seat safety.
By Valerie Insinna and Justin Katz
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.
By Colin Clark
SASC would transfer authority for F-35 acquisition from the DoD Joint Program Office to the Air Force and Navy no later than Oct. 1, 2027.
By Theresa Hitchens
“The TacAir study is coming to a close soon. I haven’t had a chance to review it yet. But I’m hoping it will be an input that informs this National Defense Strategy, and the ’23 POM and our plans going forward,” said Air Force Secretary Frank Kendall.
By Theresa Hitchens
In a July report on long-term F-35 costs, the GAO found that the Air Force “needs to reduce estimated annual per-plane costs by $3.7 million (47%) by 2036, or costs in that year alone will be $4.4 billion more than it can afford.”
By Theresa Hitchens
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.
By John Venable