DefenseNews

A radical plan calls for shifting billions to State from Defense

WASHINGTON — A new report from the Center for American Progress calls for a radical overhaul of the U.S. security assistance program, including shifting roughly $7 billion in funding streams from the Pentagon to the State Department to ensure stronger, more cohesive oversight. The report, from Max Bergmann and Alexandra Schmitt, argues that the current system of funding for foreign militaries…
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DefenseNews

US Army’s extended-range guided rocket sees successful 80-kilometer test shot

WASHINGTON — The U.S. Army’s new extended-range version of its Guided Multiple Launch Rocket System had a successful 80-kilometer flight demonstration at White Sands Missile Range, New Mexico, on March 4, according to a Lockheed Martin announcement. Lockheed Martin is the manufacturer for the GMLRS munition and has worked with the Army to double the rocket’s reach through extended-range…
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DefenseNews

Former Air Force acquisition boss joins drone maker Volansi

WASHINGTON — Former Air Force acquisition chief Will Roper will join the board of directors of Volansi, a commercial drone delivery company looking to expand its defense revenue, the company announced March 3. As assistant secretary of the Air Force for acquisition, technology and logistics, Roper oversaw an annual budget of $60 billion in funding for research and development, testing…
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DefenseNews

US Army’s newest tracked vehicle will undergo initial operational test in early 2022

WASHINGTON — The Army has scheduled the initial operational test for its newest tracked vehicle to begin the second quarter of fiscal 2022, a spokesperson for the program office leading the effort told Defense News. The BAE Systems-manufactured Armored Multi-Purpose Vehicle (AMPV) has already begun production qualification testing and has continued live fire testing ahead of the operational…
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