Deal Reached on Next Batch of F-35s
Negotiations to bring down the cost of the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter continued late last week. The Pentagon and Lockheed Martin said the deal for the next batch of 90 F-35s shaved $728 million off the cost of the program and brings the cost of each plane below $95 million.
AF’s F-35 Shows Its Stuff at Combat Exercise
F-35A Lightning II and F-18 Super Hornet among the aircraft strutting their stuff at the Red Flag air combat exercise at Nellis Air Force Base in Nevada. The wargames exercise featured more than 80 warplanes and support aircraft.
Marines Seek Ways to Combat Armed Drones
The Marines are using “everything from shotguns to water cannons to other kinetic means” and even lasers to counter the growing threat of armed drones.
Cyber Studies Added to Midshipman Classes
Everyday studies at the US Naval Academy will now include lessons for midshipmen in how to operate in the cyber domain. The addition reflects the reality of the world wherever they head next,
Trump Says F-35 JSF Deal Cut by $600M
President Donald Trump told reporters on Monday that Lockheed Martin has cut $600 million from the latest deal for 90 F-35 Joint Strike Fighter jets.
DefSec Wants Review Comparing F-35 & Hornet
Defense Secretary James Mattis is calling for a review that compares the F-35C and F/A-18E/F operational capabilities and assesses the extent that F/A-18E/F improvements (an advanced Super Hornet) can be made in order to provide “competitive, cost effective, fighter aircraft alternative.”
‘Seriously Considering’ BRAC in Senate Committee
Senate Armed Services Committee Chair John McCain and ranking member Jack Reed are “seriously considering” the possibility of closing excess military bases to cut down on waste.
Agencies, Military, Workers Speculate on First Trump Budget
Federal unions, the military, and the Democrats are preparing for completely new spending plans which, one Trump adviser says the president is reviewing at the “granular” level.
Trump Executive Order Freezes Federal Hiring
President Donald Trump issued an executive order Monday freezing some federal government hiring. He said it would affect all employees “except for the military.”
DefSec Mattis Cleared to Begin Work
Newly sworn in DefSec James Mattis held what the Defense Department called a “Top 4″ meeting Saturday that included Gen. Joseph F. Dunford, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff; Deputy Defense Secretary Robert O. Work; and Air Force Gen. Paul Selva, vice chairman of the Joint Chiefs.
