Japan’s Air Force Deploys First F-35
The Japanese air force has deployed its first operational F-35 at Misawa Air Base.
DoD Report Critical of F-35’s Progress
Lockheed Martin defends F-35’s progress in response to a critical Pentagon report saying efforts to improve the joint strike fighter’s reliability are “stagnant.”
UK’s Top Test Pilot Compares F-35, Harrier
The Royal Air Force’s top test pilot says there is no comparison between the F-35 and the Harrier. Andy Edgell, stationed at NAS Patuxent River, said the F-35 and the Harrier, despite broadly doing the same thing (landing vertically), are “almost incomparable” in flying terms.
Survey: Agencies Ready If Gov’t Shutdown Occurs
Whether a shutdown is on the horizon for the holiday season, a majority of federal employees who took an anonymous online survey from Federal News Radio said their federal agencies are ready if a shutdown does happen Dec. 22.
355-Ship Navy Not a Wish. It’s Now Policy
President Trump’s 2018 National Defense Authorization Act includes a provision that calls for the US to build up to 355 ships “as soon as practicable.” That makes achieving a 355-ship Navy national policy.
Chinese Nationals Indicted for Hacking
US indicts three Chinese nationals for hacking into Moody’s Analytics, Siemens AG, and Trimble computer networks, alleging the hackers used email phishing scams and malware to try to steal business secrets.
Wallops Launch Send Supplies to Space Station
Orbital ATK’s Antares rocket launched a Cygnus spacecraft Sunday morning from Wallops Island, Virginia, beginning the company’s CRS-8 Commercial Resupply Services mission to the International Space Station.
Analyst: Defense Contractor Earnings Outlook May Improve
A defense industry analyst says the earnings outlook for defense companies may trend upward, assuming a House conference committee authorizes a defense budget closer to the Senate version with much higher defense spending than the White House has sought.
Hypoxia Episodes Continue to Haunt Fighter Jets
F-35A pilots report five more Hypoxia-like episodes with tingling fingers and other symptoms. In June the deaths of four Hornet pilots were attributed to “physiological episodes” associated with the oxygen deprivation of Hypoxia.
Message to Troops: Be Ready If Diplomacy Fails
SecDef James Mattis tells troops their job is to “be ready” during North Korea diplomatic push. He urged members of the military to be ready if diplomacy breaks down.
