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.

US Expands Icelandic Airfield For Tankers, Big Cargo Lift

US Expands Icelandic Airfield For Tankers, Big Cargo Lift
US Expands Icelandic Airfield For Tankers, Big Cargo Lift

An old Cold War base in Iceland has seen over $80 million in US investments in recent years as the Pentagon flies more surveillance missions in the high north — and plans to do more.

Budget Battle Could Delay Carrier Refueling, Limit Deployments

Budget Battle Could Delay Carrier Refueling, Limit Deployments
Budget Battle Could Delay Carrier Refueling, Limit Deployments

If Congress fails to pass the 2020 budget, the Navy will have to delay necessary repairs on two nuclear-powered carriers, further stretching the fleet at a critical time.

If Congress Punts Spending Bill, Navy’s New Frigate Would Suffer

If Congress Punts Spending Bill, Navy’s New Frigate Would Suffer
If Congress Punts Spending Bill, Navy’s New Frigate Would Suffer

The Navy is looking to get a new class of frigates in the water as soon as possible, but the budget wrangling between Congress and the White House might mean that gets put on hold.

New Digital Strategy: DoD CIO To Oversee All $46.4B In DoD IT

New Digital Strategy: DoD CIO To Oversee All $46.4B In DoD IT
New Digital Strategy: DoD CIO To Oversee All $46.4B In DoD IT

DoD’s IT spending includes “a budget of more than $46.4 billion in fiscal year 2019, roughly 10,000 operational systems, thousands of data centers, tens of thousands of servers, millions of computers and IT devices, and hundreds of thousands of commercial mobile devices.”

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.

Esper’s SecDef Hearing Set, But Nomination Still Missing

Esper’s SecDef Hearing Set, But Nomination Still Missing
Esper’s SecDef Hearing Set, But Nomination Still Missing

“We’re expediting the process, but there are no shortcuts,” says SASC Ranking Member Jack Reed regarding Mark Esper’s SecDef confirmation hearing.

Taiwan Buys Lots Of Tanks, But Really Wants New F-16Vs

Taiwan Buys Lots Of Tanks, But Really Wants New F-16Vs
Taiwan Buys Lots Of Tanks, But Really Wants New F-16Vs

As dozens of US and allied warships operate in the Pacific, trailed by a Chinese spy ship, the Trump administration debates selling new F-16s to Taiwan.

Adm. Moran Out As Next CNO, So Who’s Next?

Adm. Moran Out As Next CNO, So Who’s Next?
Adm. Moran Out As Next CNO, So Who’s Next?

Musical chairs will ensue in the Navy’s top ranks following the surprise resignation of the CNO nominee. Who’s on deck?

US Upgrades Ukrainian Ports To Fit American Warships

US Upgrades Ukrainian Ports To Fit American Warships
US Upgrades Ukrainian Ports To Fit American Warships

WASHINGTON: As tensions rise between Russia and Ukraine on the Black Sea, the US is upgrading several Ukrainian naval bases to give American and NATO warships the ability to dock just miles from Russia-controlled Crimea.  Centered at the Ochakiv Naval Base and the military facility at Mykolaiv — 40 miles east of Odessa and less…

Navy Calls In Outsiders To Fix Troubled Ford Carrier

Navy Calls In Outsiders To Fix Troubled Ford Carrier
Navy Calls In Outsiders To Fix Troubled Ford Carrier

The Navy’s new $13 billion carrier has run into trouble, and the Navy has called in some outside help.

Senate Passes Defense Bill, Prepares To Battle House On Nukes, War Powers

Senate Passes Defense Bill, Prepares To Battle House On Nukes, War Powers
Senate Passes Defense Bill, Prepares To Battle House On Nukes, War Powers

The $750 billion defense policy bill sticks with the administration’s topline, but huge fights loom with the House version. Prepare for a long, hot summer.

Biotech: Can Microscopic Sentries Protect US Troops?

Biotech: Can Microscopic Sentries Protect US Troops?
Biotech: Can Microscopic Sentries Protect US Troops?

From repelling bugs to protecting divers in dangerous waters, scientists are pushing the boundaries of biotech.

US Wants Allies To Do More In Gulf; But They’re Already There

US Wants Allies To Do More In Gulf; But They’re Already There
US Wants Allies To Do More In Gulf; But They’re Already There

Secretary of State Mike Pompeo wants to establish a 20-country coalition to protect commercial shipping in the Middle East. But the US already leads a 33-country coalition doing just that.