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Nuclear Modernization

DoE Should Delay Nuclear Warhead For Cruise Missile or Justify Why it Won’t, GAO Says

Tuesday, July 28th, 2020

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DoE Should Delay Nuclear Warhead For Cruise Missile or Justify Why it Won’t, GAO Says

W8-4 warhead. Image: National Nuclear Security Administration

The National Nuclear Security Administration should either delay by a year its promised delivery-date for the proof-of-concept unit of the next-generation nuclear cruise-missile warhead, or justify why it won’t, the Government Accountability Office said recently. Citing congressional requirements and Pentagon schedule demands, the semiautonomous Department of Energy nuclear weapons agency promised to deliver the first production unit of the W80-4 in 2025 — even after the agency's own schedule risk analysis for the program pointed to a 2026 delivery. Therefore,…

Army

Hegseth Says DoD Open To Reviewing Army’s Planned Cuts To Legacy Helicopter Procurement

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has told lawmakers the Pentagon is open to reviewing the Army’s planned procurement cuts to its legacy manned aviation fleet. Rep. Rosa DeLauro (D-Conn.), ranking member […]

Congress

Appropriators Press For Details On Iran War Costs; DoD’s $29B Estimate Doesn’t Include Base Damage

The Pentagon estimates the U.S.’ ongoing conflict with Iran has now cost at least $29 billion, while a lead official noted the updated figure does not factor in damage to […]

Congress

Appropriators Offer Skepticism On $350B Defense Reconciliation Plan, ‘Big Risk’ For Key Initiatives

Senate and House Appropriators told Pentagon leadership on Tuesday they’re skeptical of the department’s plan to fund $350 billion of the fiscal year 2027 defense budget through the reconciliation process, […]

Congress

All Future Systems Should Have Autonomy Features, Reed Says

Last week, Sen. Jack Reed (D-R.I.) visited North Kingstown, R.I.-based Senesco, which is teaming with autonomous systems company Havoc to bid on the U.S. Navy’s Medium Unmanned Surface Vessel program. […]