Pentagon Skips Tests on Key Component of U.S.-Based Missile Defense System
David Willman | Los Angeles Times
Against the advice of its own panel of outside experts, the U.S. Missile Defense Agency is forgoing tests meant to ensure that a critical component of the nation’s homeland missile defense system will work as intended. The tests that are being skipped would evaluate the reliability of small motors designed to help keep rocket interceptors on course as they fly toward incoming warheads.
Air Force Asks Congress for Strategic Deterrence Fund for B-21 Bomber, GBSD
Lara Seligman | Defense News
The Air Force Secretary has asked lawmakers to consider funding a joint service "strategic deterrence" account that would pay for the Air Force’s legs of the nuclear triad – the B-21 bomber and the Ground-Based Strategic Deterrent – as well as recapitalizing the Navy’s Ohio-class ballistic submarines.
Obama Imposes Fresh Sanctions on N. Korea
Chae Jae-soon | Yonhap News
U.S. President Barack Obama imposed fresh sanctions on North Korea on Wednesday, further tightening the screws on Pyongyang for its nuclear and missile tests, including the blacklisting of anyone assisting the North over its labor and mineral exports."I have now determined that the government of North Korea's continuing pursuit of its nuclear and missile programs ... increasingly imperils the United States and its allies," Obama said in the new executive order.
Lockheed’s Marillyn Hewson Touts Breakthroughs in Hypersonic Weapons
Lara Seligman | Defense News
As the Pentagon telegraphs a new sense of urgency to fielding hypersonic weapons, top Lockheed Martin officials are touting recent breakthroughs in leveraging extreme speed to counter emerging threats. “Lockheed Martin has a legacy of making fast aircraft,” Lockheed CEO Marillyn Hewson said March 15 during the company’s annual media day.
Sanctions Eased But Japan Inc. Treads Warily in Return to Iran
Ayako Mie | Japan Times
Optimism prevailed when United Nations sanctions against Iran were lifted in mid-January. Since the historic nuclear deal was reached last July between Iran and six global powers, companies, including those in Japan, had been vying for economic opportunities in a Middle Eastern market rich in natural resources.
When America Nuked Beer for Science
Matthew Gault | War is Boring
America nuked a lot of weird stuff in the 1950s. Scientists considered using atom bombs to drill for oil in Canada, disrupt hurricanes and even blow a hole in the moon to scare the Soviet Union. At the same time, the Pentagon detonated hundreds of nukes and studied the effects. Washington was sure the next war would be a nuclear — and wanted to be ready.