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Nuclear Modernization

Complicated Restart of Niobium Alloy Production at DoE Could Delay Nuclear Weapons Deliveries, GAO Says

Thursday, October 15th, 2020

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Complicated Restart of Niobium Alloy Production at DoE Could Delay Nuclear Weapons Deliveries, GAO Says

Close up illustration of atomic particle for nuclear energy imagery

Future nuclear weapons programs will be delayed if the Department of Energy is not able to produce depleted-uranium-niobium alloy ingots in Oak Ridge, Tenn., in the next three years, according to a report the Government Accountability Office published this week. “[A]ny delays beyond that will affect the current schedules of these programs,” Congress’ investigative arm wrote in the report. The two DoE weapons programs slated to begin production after October 2023 are the W80-4 cruise missile warhead for the planned…

Space

Upgrading Current GPS Ground System “Now a Viable Option,” As GPS OCX Problems Continue, Space Official Says

Upgrades to the GPS ground system–the Architecture Evolution Plan (AEP)–is an option under consideration by the Defense Department’s space acquisition chief, as problems continue in fielding the GPS Next Generation […]

Congress

Graham Says GOP To Move Ahead On Second Reconciliation Bill, With Defense Funds As Priority

Senate Budget Committee Chair Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.) said Wednesday, with the White House’s backing, his panel will move “expeditiously” on crafting a second reconciliation bill, citing priorities for defense and […]

Pentagon

Hegseth Acknowledges Potential $200 Billion Iran Supplemental Request, Final Figure ‘Could Move’

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth on Thursday acknowledged the Pentagon could potentially ask Congress for $200 billion in supplemental funding to support the ongoing operation against Iran and replenish munitions used […]

Congress

Counter-Drone Flyaway Kit Used In U.S. In Early Hours Of Iran Strikes, NORTHCOM Head Says

U.S. Northern Command (NORTHCOM) used a counter small unmanned aircraft system (sUAS) flyaway kit (FAK) in the early hours of the strikes against Iran on Feb. 28, according to Air […]