House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., intends to advance three separate aid packages for Ukraine, Israel, Taiwan, and other US allies, along with a fourth bill aimed at domestic policies to satisfy hard-right Republicans opposed to additional aid to Kyiv, all of which will be voted on together. The Aerospace Industries Association reports that nearly 2 million Americans are employed by the aerospace and defense industry, making it one of the largest employment sectors in the US and a key segment of the economy.
Following the approval of his "quick start" initiative, Air Force Secretary Frank Kendall has applied the new authority to initiate two projects: one focusing on "resilient" GPS capabilities led by the US Space Force, and another on battle management for moving target indication led by the Air Force. "We selected these projects because we recognized their potential to benefit the Joint Forces and the nation and we're appreciative that the secretary of defense and deputy secretary of defense expedited their review and approval -- resulting in less than four months between enactment of the authority to execution of the first projects," he told lawmakers.
Leidos has been awarded a follow-on contract by the Army Contracting Command-Aberdeen Proving Ground, with a ceiling value of $267 million, to deliver comprehensive technology-enabled services to the US Army. The base period of the Responsive Strategic Sourcing for Services contract spans approximately 11 months, with extension options.
The Netherlands has ordered seven additional Ground Master 200 Multi-Mission/Compact radars from Thales, with an option for two more. The mobile radars will be mounted on Scania Gryphus 8x8 trucks for the Royal Netherlands Army and follow a 2019 contract for nine radars.
The US State Department has approved Iraq's application to purchase contractor logistics support, training, and related equipment for C-172 and AC/RC-208 aircraft through a potential $140 million foreign military sales agreement. If finalized, Northrop Grumman will assist Iraq in maintaining its fleet.
Pratt & Whitney is investing $20 million to expand GTF maintenance, repair, and overhaul capacity of its West Palm Beach Engine Center. "The expansion at West Palm Beach is the latest example of our global investment to support the GTF fleet. We remain steadfast in our commitment to support customers and maintain their trust as we carry out the GTF fleet management plan," said Kevin Kirkpatrick, vice president of global aftermarket operations.
Boeing has agreed to purchase millions of gallons of Neste MY sustainable aviation fuel for its commercial operations, marking its largest annual SAF acquisition. "Sustainable aviation fuel is essential to decarbonize aviation; about 20% of our fuel usage is a SAF blend, and we are actively increasing our use to stimulate the SAF industry and make it more available and affordable to our airline customers through various initiatives," said Ryan Faucett, Boeing's vice president of environmental sustainability.
Boom Supersonic has been granted Federal Aviation Administration clearance via a Special Flight Authorization to exceed the speed of sound, up to Mach 1.3, with the XB-1 prototype and chase aircraft. This approval is a pivotal step in the company's ongoing effort to develop the Overture, a future supersonic airliner.
Boeing's CST-100 Starliner, named Calypso, has been transferred from Kennedy Space Center to Space Launch Complex 41 at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in preparation for its International Space Station mission next month with United Launch Alliance. This rollout marks a crucial milestone toward the Crew Flight Test of Starliner.
Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin's recent virtual meeting with Adm. Dong Jun, China's minister of defense, marked the first direct communication between the two countries' defense chiefs in nearly two years. During the call, which followed a conversation between Presidents Joe Biden and Xi Jinping, Austin emphasized the importance of freedom of navigation, in light of recent aggressive maneuvers by Chinese military forces against US and allied vessels and aircraft.
