“Again, we have to question now, what are we looking for, as far as capacity [and] sufficiency, there,” Cotton said, due to the evolving security situation, without specifying how many additional LRSOs he thinks should be acquired. He’s ready to “move out” with that program, he said.
...
While Cotton was pleased with progress on the B-21 and LRSO, he said he is “a little worried” about the B-52J upgrade, which comprises new engines, navigation, radars and other improvements that will extend that bomber’s service life to 2050 or beyond.
“It is my LRSO carrier,” he said, “so I need to make sure the Air Force is paying attention to that—to the acquisition strategy—and gets the B-52J out on the ramp as soon as we can.” He did not explain why he is concerned about the upgrade’s progress, or why the Air Force might not be giving the program the attention it deserves. The program has experienced some delays and cost increases as it has transitioned from a fast-tracked prototyping program to a major acquisition program.
“Please note the Department of Defense has renamed this program from ‘Iron Dome for America’ to ‘Golden Dome for America,”
Over the course of a two-day, unclassified workshop, the Mitchell Institute brought together 55 space subject matter experts with diverse backgrounds to examine how the United States, its allies, and partners can maintain an enduring spacepower advantage. The workshop findings reinforced that the U.S. Space Force’s current lines of effort are critical and must be expanded. This includes improving space domain awareness, space architecture resilience, and reforming security classification policies. Appropriately authorizing, organizing, training, and equipping America’s Guardians to deliver war-winning military effects in, from, and to space is the best way to secure an enduring peace.
Chief of Space Operations Gen. Chance Saltzman told reporters Monday that given the executive [Iron Dome for America] order’s emphasis on space systems, it’s natural the service would play a key role in its development, adding that the service has established an integrated planning team, or IPT, to explore options in response to the order.
For the second time within 48 hours, U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) conducted another Bomber Task Force Mission in the Middle East, Feb. 20, demonstrating force projection capabilities and partner nation integration in the region..
Two B-52s from RAF Fairford, U.K., flew across Europe and six partner countries in CENTCOM's area of responsibility during their mission, which included aerial refueling and training missions at ranges. Additionally, one partner nation provided fighter escorts for the bombers throughout the mission
As for the nuclear deterrent, it has never been truly independent. That’s why generations of British politicians have insisted on always referring to it as such.
...
The prime minister may have a notional right to “press the button”. But only the Americans can keep the system operational.
...
Trident has been a symbol of the “specialness” of the relationship. But it sits on the foundation pillar of a Nato alliance that it is cracking. Someone needs to ask the awkward question. And in formulating an answer they should start with geography. European and British security are indivisible. They always have been.
The U.S. Navy awarded Lockheed Martin (NYSE: LMT) a $383 million cost-plus-incentive-fee and cost-plus-fixed-fee modification to the existing Lockheed Martin contract for development of the next generation of the Trident II Strategic Weapons System (SWS) D5 missile to continue the nation's sea-based strategic deterrence.
Under this contract modification, Lockheed Martin will design the upgraded missile, called the Trident II D5 Life Extension 2 (D5LE2). The integrated, modernized missile will be carried aboard COLUMBIA-class ballistic missile submarines to ensure the strategic weapon system remains credible through 2084.
"The second life extension of the Trident D5 missile will enable the United States and United Kingdom, through the Polaris Sales Agreement, to maintain credibility deterring evolving threats," said Jerry Mamrol, vice president of Fleet Ballistic Missiles at Lockheed Martin. "We are proud to continue our critical partnership with the U.S. Navy to take deterrence into this new era."
Ever since humankind first launched objects into space, counterspace capabilities (also known as “space weapons”) were developed to disrupt or destroy them. Now that space is increasingly being used for both civilian and military applications, space technologies have evolved to meet these needs, but regulations to protect space have lagged behind. This paper looks at how the international community is addressing the threats posed by these technologies through multilateral efforts and regulatory mechanisms to enhance space security.
