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Navy/USMC

Marine Corps F-35Bs Head to Sea Ahead of July 1 IOC

Tuesday, May 19th, 2015

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Marine Corps F-35Bs Head to Sea Ahead of July 1 IOC

The Marine Corps' short takeoff and vertical landing (STOVL) F-35B performs a vertical landing. Photo: Lockheed Martin.

The Marine Corps is less than two months from declaring the F-35B ready for combat, but the long awaited fifth-generation aircraft will not be rushed into battle as quickly as the service usually deploys new weapons, according to a top Marine aviator. “The F-35, I would say, if I had my druthers, I would not deploy right away because I would like to build some momentum in the program and build the instructor base,” Lt. Gen Jon Davis, deputy commandant for…

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 […]