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Air Force

F-35 Progress, Software Concerns Aired On Hill

Julie Samuel

Thursday, June 20th, 2013

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Pentagon officials expressed tempered optimism to lawmakers Wednesday that the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter program will meet key milestones, while stressing the importance of an upcoming assessment of Block 3 software. Pentagon acquisition chief Frank Kendall told the Senate Appropriations Defense subcommittee (SAC-D) that aircraft development is almost complete, contract costs have dropped, and there’s “no question” that because of current threats the United States needs such a fifth-generation jet fighter. Still, he acknowledged there is “a lot of work…

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. […]

Congress

Senate Appropriators Concerned With DoD’s Reconciliation Plan For Top FY ‘27 Priorities, Aide Says

Senate defense appropriators have concerns with the Pentagon’s decision to include key fiscal year 2027 funding priorities, such as critical munitions and drones production, among its request for $350 billion […]