All Department of Defense articles – Page 4
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NewsLawmakers move to cut US F-35 purchases over ‘long-standing’ sustainment issues
A provision in wide-ranging defence legislation covering Pentagon operations for 2025 would limit new acquisitions of the Lockheed Martin F-35 stealth fighter to 48 examples until concerns about availability rates and aircraft sustainment are addressed.
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NewsPentagon again grounds Osprey fleet after recent ‘near-crash’
The US miltiary’s fleet of Bell-Boeing V-22 Osprey tiltrotors are grounded for the second time this year after what the Pentagon describes as a “near-crash” in November.
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In depthNational leaders argue strong defence industry is essential to USA’s geopolitical position
Amid a turbulent transition into a new presidential administration in Washington, senior figures in the government are urging a continued commitment to the USA’s defence industry, at a time of precarious global security.
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NewsBell accelerates SPRINT design through windtunnel test phase
Bell has completed windtunnel tests of the Stop/Fold rotor system it is developing for a future high-speed vertical lift aircraft under a US Department of Defense-backed project.
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NewsPresidential support MV-22 Osprey grounded following engine fire
The tiltrotor operated by US Marine Corps Helicopter Squadron One, which provides VIP transport for the US president, had been ferrying White House staff to New York for an event with President Joe Biden when it developed unspecified mechanical issues.
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NewsPentagon deploys AI-powered aircraft recognition system for Washington, DC air defence
The system uses a network of electro-optical/infrared cameras, backed up by artificial intelligence, to supplement traditional radar-powered identification of aircraft near the American capital.
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NewsBoeing names new head of Phantom Works advanced development unit
Colin Miller will take over the struggling airframer’s secretive military research and development unit after previously serving as the head of engineering within Northrop Grumman’s aeronautics business.
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NewsTrump national security team takes shape with mix of insiders and outsiders
The returning president says he will nominate congressman and former US Army special forces officer Mike Waltz as national security advisor, while Army National Guard veteran and television news presenter Pete Hegseth has been selected to lead the Pentagon.
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NewsAudit claims Boeing overcharged for C-17 parts, including $149,000 for soap dispensers
The US Department of Defense inspector general initiated an investigation into the C-17 sustainment programme based on an anonymous tip, with the office concluding the US Air Force “did not pay fair and reasonable prices” for 26% of spare parts reviewed.
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NewsMystery buyers pick up Bell 412EPX helicopters for military use
Three Bell 412EPX civil helicopters were recently purchased through the Pentagon’s Foreign Military Sales system, although the buyers have not been disclosed by Washington.
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In depthUS manufacturers ramp solid rocket motor production amid surging munitions demand
After years of decline left the US aerospace industry with just a single independent producer of rocket motor engines to power critical missiles, a global surge in munitions purchases has spurred major defence manufacturers to develop new production capacity.
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In depthBoeing will not ‘walk away’ from financially challenged defence contracts, Ortberg says
Despite punishing financial losses on several military contracts, with no end in sight, Boeing chief executive Kelly Ortberg says his company remains committed to delivering on its full portfolio of defence programmes.
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NewsF-35 deliveries ramp up but full combat certification remains elusive
While F-35 manufacturer Lockheed Martin has resumed delivery of the globally important fifth-generation fighter, certification of the newest jets for full combat operations continues to pose technical challenges.
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NewsNegotiations ongoing to extend Black Hawk production to 2032
Sikorsky and the US Army are continuing negotiations on the 11th multi-year procurement deal for UH-60 Black Hawks, which would see production of the iconic helicopter extended to 2032.
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In depthSikorsky to modify ‘MX’ Black Hawk for autonomous flight
Under a $6 million grant from the US Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency, Sikorsky will modify a government-owned UH-60M helicopter with autonomy technologies that could allow for single-pilot or fully pilotless flight.
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NewsItaly approved for purchase of EA-37B electronic attack mission systems
US export regulators have approved Rome to purchase sensitive mission systems for the Gulfstream G550-derived EA-37B electronic attack jet, in a deal valued at $680 million.
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NewsUS Navy affirms commitment to fielding sixth-generation fighter
While the US Air Force is walking back its commitment to developing a manned sixth-generation combat fighter, the navy’s top officer says her service remains committed to fielding a new aircraft under its F/A-XX programme.
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NewsPentagon pressing ahead with F-35 engine upgrade
The US Department of Defense is affirming its commitment to delivering an engine upgrade for the Lockheed Martin F-35 stealth fighter, with a recent $1.3 billion contract to propulsion supplier Pratt & Whitney to fund continued development of the initiative.
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In depthHoneywell targets 2027 for delivering F-35 power and thermal upgrade
The Pentagon has not decided how to address the long-term need for more power and cooling capacity aboard the advanced Lockheed Martin fighter jet, but the manufacturer of the current Power and Thermal Management System aims to have an upgrade ready around the time Pratt & Whitney starts rolling out an engine upgrade.
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NewsPentagon signs largest-ever order for Raytheon AMRAAM missiles
The $1.19 billion contract with Raytheon covers production Lot 38 of the venerable air-to-air missile and will see the munitions delivered to Japan, Ukraine and multiple NATO member states.