Japan has approved its biggest military buildup since World War II, warning that China poses the “greatest strategic challenge ever” and outlining plans to develop a counterstrike capability funded by record defense spending. The plans, announced by the government Dec. 16, reflect growing alarm over a more assertive Chinese military and a North Korean regime that continues to improve its nuclear and ballistic missile capabilities.
The three-star general spearheading the U.S. Air Force’s information warfare efforts foresees a sustained future for drones in the military, as nations monitor, analyze and attempt to outfox each other from greater and greater distances. Asked Dec. 15 if he thinks uncrewed aerial systems will “become important” to his organization, Lt. Gen. Kevin Kennedy, the commander of the 16th Air Force (Air Forces Cyber), told the Department of Defense Intelligence Information System Worldwide Conference in San Antonio: “Yes.”
Some wireless devices—phones, tablets, or maybe even smart watches—could soon be welcome inside secure facilities, according to an intel official. “I think it's inevitable, in terms of the incorporation of wireless, into our community, into our facilities,” Douglas Cossa, the chief information officer for the Defense Intelligence Agency said Dec. 15. “I mean, when you look at it, look at all the technology you're driving in with through the gate, even what's on your car, your key fob, it's just inevitable that we're going to have to face that.”
On July 26, 1948, President Harry Truman issued Executive Order 9981, mandating the end of racial segregation in the armed forces. While this did not end racism within the ranks, it constituted a monumental step towards racial equality. … Recently published medical research—and overwhelming anecdotal evidence—has elucidated a long-standing source of racial discrimination in the Air Force, and very likely all military branches, on par with the destructive nature of segregation: the facial hair policies.
John Plumb, the Defense Department’s head of space policy, said he has set three priorities for his staff, one of which it to untangle the knot of security classification that makes it hard for the US to share important operational information with even its closest allies. Indeed, he said Dec. 14 in a fireside chat at Center for Strategic and International Studies that cracking the conundrum of over-classification is directly related to another of his priorities: improving space cooperation with allies and partner nations.
Ask anyone in the U.S. military above the rank of colonel what keeps them awake at night and they will likely say “China,” the rising superpower across the Pacific. But what exactly are senior leaders afraid of, particularly in regards to the Chinese People’s Liberation Army Air Force (PLAAF)? For years, U.S. Air Force leaders have sounded the alarm about China’s increasing power and America’s shrinking technological edge. But what are the specific forms of power and technology that have U.S. officials so worried? Considering the language barrier, cultural differences and the lack of transparent governance or a free press, it is difficult for average Americans to know what threats service members may face in a possible conflict in the western Pacific.
In Episode 107 of the “Aerospace Advantage” podcast, John “Slick” Baum visits Lockheed Martin’s F-35 production line in Fort Worth, Texas, where he chats with Steve Howes, vice president for F-35 production operations, and J.R. McDonald, vice president for F-35 business development. This episode digs into everything from what it takes to build this unrivaled aircraft to how the team has overcome challenges and what it means to insert new capabilities on a production line. This is a unique opportunity to talk to the industry leaders who are actually building tomorrow’s airpower.
Maxar Technologies, a space company that gained global attention with its high-resolution satellite images of the Ukraine war, is being acquired by the private equity firm Advent International for $6.4 billion. Under the deal announced Dec. 16, Advent is acquiring all outstanding shares of Maxar common stock for $53.00 per share in cash, more than double Maxar’s stock price of $23.10 on December 15, the company’s last full trading day as a public company. The acquisition is expected to be completed in mid-2023.
L3Harris, the country’s sixth largest defense contractor, plans to acquire propulsion expert Aerojet Rocketdyne in a deal valued at $4.7 billion, the two companies announced Dec. 18. The move comes after Lockheed Martin ended its acquisition effort in February.
Military members may no longer have to pay pet transportation costs out of pocket during permanent change of station (PCS) moves, thanks to a new rule making the costs reimbursable. Congress allowed the new military PCS entitlement in the 2023 National Defense Authorization Act, headed to President Joe Biden's desk for his signature after the Senate approved it Dec. 15. The Defense Department currently covers dependents' travel expenses, but troops must pay out of pocket to move their pets.