A technology assessment meant to improve combat identification technology is underway now at Nellis AFB, Nev., and Ft. Irwin, Calif. US Joint Forces Command designated USAF as lead for the joint service and multinational Bold Quest 2007, which JFCOM has slated to test a variety of efforts all designed to help reduce friendly fire incidents, reports Army Spc. Andrew Orillion. Among technologies being demonstrated is Northrop Grumman’s recently modified LITENING Advanced Targeting pod, which company VP Mike Lennon says now has “the longest detection and identification ranges of any targeting pod.” The exercise runs through Sept. 19.
President Donald Trump’s nominee for Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff touted his highly unusual background for the job as an asset and reaffirmed his commitment to stay apolitical during a confirmation hearing before the Senate Armed Services Committee on April 1.