The stalwart E-8C Joint Surveillance Target Attack Radar System plane flew its last operational mission Sept. 21, capping a three-decade career as a military “eye in the sky” in conflicts from Operation Desert Storm to the war in Ukraine.
The sortie is a stepping stone on the airframe’s journey into retirement, as the Air Force reshapes its inventory for the demands of modern…
Boeing to pay $8.1M to settle Osprey false claims allegations
September 29, 2023
WASHINGTON — Boeing agreed to an $8.1 million settlement with the federal government to resolve allegations that the company submitted false claims and made false statements regarding its contracts with the U.S. Navy to build the tiltrotor V-22 Osprey, the Justice…
BAE Systems to supply US Army with jam-resistant navigation tech
September 29, 2023
WASHINGTON — BAE Systems will provide the U.S. Army high-tech, embeddable computer cards used for secure navigation on foot and aboard armored vehicles in a contract worth $318 million.
The five-year contract for M-code GPS modules and related engineering support…
F-35 program finishes years-late tests needed for full production
September 29, 2023
WASHINGTON — The F-35 program has completed a long-delayed series of crucial tests, which could pave the way for a decision next year to officially move the advanced fighter jet into full-rate production.
The Joint Simulation Environment tests, known as “runs for score,” were finished Sept. 21, as was the initial trial validation, F-35 Joint Program Office spokesman Russell Goemaere said in…
Lockheed wins $1.1B contract to design Navy’s Integrated Combat System
September 29, 2023
WASHINGTON — The U.S. Navy awarded Lockheed Martin $23 million to begin creating the Integrated Combat System that may one day connect the Navy’s and U.S. Coast Guard’s surface fleets.
The award could be worth up to $1.1 billion if all options are exercised through…
Anduril to hone Ghost drone autonomy under contract with US Air Force
September 29, 2023
WASHINGTON — The U.S. Air Force awarded defense technology firm Anduril Industries contracts totaling $8 million to refine the autonomous capabilities on two drone aircraft.
Anduril will work to hone the autonomy on its helicopter-like Ghost reconnaissance, security and…
Romania, Czech Republic advance F-35 acquisition plans
September 28, 2023
WARSAW, Poland — Romania’s Ministry of National Defence has announced it aims to sign a letter of acceptance in 2024 to buy 32 F-35 Lightning II fighters in the program’s first phase, and subsequently secure a further 16 aircraft.
Bucharest intends to purchase “the first two squadrons from the United States of America through the Foreign Military Sales …[scheme to buy] 32 aircraft. The…
Brazil sets up fund for Army’s armored vehicle, missile capabilities
September 28, 2023
SAO PAULO — The Brazilian government has launched fund to dedicated to Army capabilities, including the acquisition and development of armored vehicles from the Italian manufacturer Iveco Defence, Astros missile system from Avibras and more.
The plan is part of the Growth…
Del Toro says Disruptive Capabilities Office to solve Navy challenges
September 28, 2023
WASHINGTON — Navy Secretary Carlos Del Toro announced initiatives aimed at making the service more responsive to warfighter challenges: the creation of the Disruptive Capabilities Office to quickly apply new technologies to operational problems, and a pilot program that…
Palantir wins $250 million US Army AI research contract
September 27, 2023
WASHINGTON — The U.S. Army awarded Palantir Technologies a contract worth as much as $250 million to research and experiment with artificial intelligence and machine learning.
The arrangement, announced by the Department of Defense on Sept. 26, runs through 2026. Exactly where work will be done and from where funding will be pulled will be determined with each order, it said.
Interest in AI and…
