Science & Tech
The F-35 program’s software development isn’t getting any better, Pentagon report finds
A new report from the top DOD weapons tester noted the program can’t "simultaneously" fix multiple software problems.
Threats
Shore-based analysts help US warships fine-tune for imminent Red Sea combat
“That would have been unimaginable just a few years ago,” CENTCOM deputy says.
Defense Systems
Navy ops centers need AI to sift through troves of intel data
As ships collect ever more sensor data, Navy information warfare officers have to figure out how to quickly process information without getting bogged down.
Science & Tech
The Navy’s robot refueler is coming—even as the fleet works out integration
The MQ-25 will “unlock” other manned-unmanned teaming, naval aviation leader says.
Business
Full F-35 upgrade package might not happen this year, Lockheed says
The company also reported $2B in losses in 2024 on classified programs in its fourth-quarter earnings call.
Ideas
It's time for a new Key West agreement
Airpower, air defense, Marines’ role—all need revisiting, three-quarters of a century after the seminal roles-and-missions pact.
Business
New strategy aims to get 80% of Navy ships deployable
To meet that goal, the service needs to speed up maintenance.
Policy
Money alone won’t fix the Navy’s shipbuilding woes, lawmaker says
Correcting submarine program deficits will require creative thinking about workforce challenges, not just more money, Sen. Tim Kaine, D-Va., said.
Threats
Disparaged, discontinued...and indispensable? Littoral combat ships take on real-world ops
The battle-tested LCS has moved past its reliability problems, surface-forces leaders said.
Defense Systems
Navy looking for solutions to power, outfit new destroyer
Weapons options include 5-inch guns and lasers, surface warfare director says.
Business
Navy shipbuilder plans expansion to boost submarine production
The goal is to improve cost and throughput by going “where the labor is,” said Huntington Ingalls Industries’ CEO Christopher Kastner.
Defense Systems