DefenceTalkCiting a series of technological breakthroughs, Navy leaders announced plans Apr. 8 at the Sea-Air-Space exposition to deploy for the first time a solid-state laser aboard a ship in fiscal year 2014. “Our directed energy initiatives, and specifically the solid-state laser, are among our highest priority science and technology programs. The solid-state laser program is […]https://www.defencetalk.com/navy-leaders-announce-plans-for-deploying-cost-saving-laser-technology-47414/

DefenceTalkThe top acquisition priority in the Air Force – acquiring a new aerial refueling capability – is proceeding “on track,” Maj. Gen. John Thompson, the program executive officer for Tankers, said. Two years and several key milestones after the contract was awarded, a great deal of progress has been made. The preliminary design review completed […]https://www.defencetalk.com/kc-46-progress-on-track-47423/

DefenceTalkNorth Korea appears to be preparing a fourth nuclear test as well as a provocative missile launch, South Korea said Monday, despite an unusually blunt call from China for restraint. Unification Minister Ryoo Kihl-Jae told lawmakers there were “signs” that another test was in the pipeline, with intelligence reports showing heightened activity at the North’s […]https://www.defencetalk.com/north-korea-preparing-for-fourth-nuclear-test-south-47410/

DefenceTalkThe largest renewable energy project in U.S. military history is slated to begin soon at Fort Bliss, Texas, a big step toward the installation’s goal of generating all the energy it uses, Army Maj. Gen. Dana J.H. Pittard, the installation and 1st Armored Division commander, announced today. The Army Corps of Engineers gave the official […]https://www.defencetalk.com/fort-bliss-to-launch-militarys-largest-renewable-energy-project-47408/

DefenceTalkThere are further indications North Korea may be preparing to conduct nuclear and missile tests – actions that would again violate international sanctions against it. Amid official concerns in Seoul and Washington that North Korea could be poised to launch one or more of its untested medium-range missiles, South Korea’s government is also acknowledging Pyongyang […]https://www.defencetalk.com/south-korea-confirms-sign-north-korea-making-nuclear-test-preparations-47406/

DefenceTalkUnder the FAA Modernization and Reform Act of 2012, P.L. 112-95, Congress has tasked the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) with integrating unmanned aircraft systems (UASs), sometimes referred to as unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) or drones, into the national airspace system by September 2015. Although the text of this act places safety as a predominant concern, […]https://www.defencetalk.com/integration-of-drones-into-domestic-airspace-selected-legal-issues-2-47402/

DefenceTalkThe Brazilian Navy’s latest BAE Systems built warship has set sail for the first time to be put through her paces on an extensive programme of sea trials off the UK coast. ARAGUARI, the third Ocean Patrol Vessel in the Amazonas Class, sailed out of Portsmouth this morning with her BAE Systems crew and Brazilian […]https://www.defencetalk.com/uk-welcomes-250th-brazilian-navy-sailor-for-maiden-sea-trials-47400/

DefenceTalkAn F-35B Lightning II completed the first short takeoff and vertical landing during a test mission at night to expand the flight envelope and deliver capability to the warfighter. Marine Corps test pilot Maj. C.R. Clift conducted the flight April 2 to gather data on the helmet and lighting conditions for night time operations.The test […]https://www.defencetalk.com/f-35b-conducts-first-night-time-vertical-landing-47397/

DefenceTalkAfter a long delivery flight from Sweden, FMV has now delivered the seventh, eighth and ninth JAS 39 Gripen aircrafts to the Royal Thai Air Force. The entire order consists of twelve planes. On behalf of the Defence Export Agency FMV has coordinated the delivery and Gunnar Lindberg, who is project manager at FMV Test […]https://www.defencetalk.com/three-gripen-fighter-aircraft-delivered-to-thailand-47393/

DefenceTalkAs defense budgets are slashed in dire financial times, governments increasingly rely on alliances and cooperation with their partners. Instead of going solo, militaries pool resources to increase efficiency. The financial crisis has put pressure on governments all over the world to drastically cut down expenses. What started five years ago now has started to […]https://www.defencetalk.com/nato-under-pressure-as-allies-cut-defense-costs-47387/