WASHINGTON — The Pentagon’s head of operational test and evaluation said the earliest the F-35 Lightning II strike fighter’s Initial Operational Test and Evaluation (IOT&E) could resume is mid-2020, when the Joint Simulation Environment is ready. That evaluation, paused earlier…
Senior NATO Commander Says Alliance Is Responding to Russian Expansion With Exercises, New Command
NATO has seen the effects of a modernized Russia’s navy and its increased activities in all the waters around Europe, and the alliance is responding with multinational exercises and new organizations, including a command focused on ensuring the flow of…
HII Begins Fabrication of Legend-Class Cutter Calhoun
PASCAGOULA, Miss. — Huntington Ingalls Industries’ Ingalls Shipbuilding division marked the start of fabrication of the U.S. Coast Guard’s newest Legend-class national security cutter, Calhoun, on Nov. 12, according to a company release. The start of fabrication signifies that the first 100 tons of steel for a ship have been cut. “Each new ship in this…
Coast Guard Names New Cutters After 9/11 Heroes
NEW YORK — The U.S. Coast Guard will name two of its new Sentinel-class fast-response cutters in honor of two public servants and Coast Guardsmen who lost their lives responding to the 9/11 terrorist attacks in New York City, the Coast Guard 1st District announced in a Nov. 12 release. Coast Guard…
Northrop Grumman Delivers 500th APG-81 Radar for F-35 Fighter
BALTIMORE — Northrop Grumman Corp. has delivered its 500th APG-81 fire control radar for the F-35 Lightning II strike fighter, the company said in a release. The APG-81 active electronically scanned array is the cornerstone of the F-35’s advanced sensor suite, providing unparalleled battlespace…
Boeing Delivers First P-8A Poseidon to United Kingdom’s Royal Air Force
SEATTLE — Boeing has delivered the first of nine P-8A Poseidon maritime patrol aircraft to the United Kingdom Royal Air Force, the company said in a release. The U.K. is acquiring the multimission aircraft through the foreign military sales process with the U.S. Navy. The P-8A Poseidon replaces…
Keel Authenticated for First Flight III Arleigh Burke-Class Destroyer
PASCAGOULA, Miss. — In a milestone for the DDG 51 program, the keel of the first Flight III destroyer, the future USS Jack H. Lucas (DDG 125), was ceremoniously laid and authenticated at Huntington Ingalls Shipyard on Nov. 7. Ruby Lucas and Catherine…
Subs Will Get Harpoon Missiles Next Year, Navy Undersea Warfare Director Says
ARLINGTON, Va. — The admiral in charge of undersea warfare requirements said the Harpoon anti-ship missile will be returning to the submarine force next year, restoring more lethality to the sub force. “I am happy to report that we will have…
Next-Gen Attack Sub Will Be Revolutionary, Navy Undersea Warfare Director Says
ARLINGTON, Va. — The admiral in charge of undersea warfare requirements said the U.S. Navy’s next-generation attack submarine (SSNX) will be revolutionary, not evolutionary. “We run up against the design margin of the Virginia class, and we will need a new submarine capable…
Navy Strategic Systems Director Praises Trident Missile’s Motor Reliability
ARLINGTON, Va. — The admiral in charge of procuring and sustaining the U.S. Navy’s submarine-launched ballistic missiles (SLBMs) has praised the reliability of the Trident missile’s rocket motor, a critical factor in the credibility of the U.S. strategic nuclear deterrent. See: Navy’s…
