Defense
Panel earmarks $80 million for high-tech battlefield gear
Add-on would help outfit two battalions in Iraq with advanced combat helmets, modified rifles, digital imagery and other equipment.
Defense
Appropriator ready to slash funds for Army future combat program
Subcommittee chairman says he will add money for more C-17 Globemaster III cargo planes.
Defense
Air Force still pressing to control unmanned aerial vehicle programs
Proposal has received significant attention on Capitol Hill, where both the House and Senate Armed Services panels have asked the military to review the matter further.
Defense
Analysts say plans to buy fighter jets too costly
Report doesn’t recommend cancellation of program, but says services need to look at more affordable options.
Defense
Lawmaker pressures Navy to use unwanted catamaran
Ranking Republican on House Armed Services panel encourages the service to move the ship from research to real-world operations.
Defense
Staunch earmark opponent in Senate probes House add-ons
Senator has threatened to block House-Senate conference negotiations on spending bills if they do not meet new standards for earmark disclosures.
Defense
Air Force envisions stealthy long-range bomber for 2018
The service’s B-2 bomber -- the youngest aircraft in the bomber fleet -- was fielded in 1989 and features only second-generation stealth capabilities.
Defense
Lawmaker backs 19-year aircraft project that has yet to fly
Vertical take-off and landing aircraft may yield technology breakthroughs and deserves continued support, ranking member of Armed Services panel says.
Defense
Air Force officials seek debarment of body armor maker
Debarments of defense contractors are rare; they usually last three years at most, but that would be a blow to the maker of flexible Dragon Skin armor.
Defense
Lawmaker backs model hobbyists in dispute with Defense firms
Rep. Robert Andrews, D-N.J., says taxpayers should own rights to designs of military hardware.
Defense
Joint Chiefs of Staff chairman to step down
Navy official tapped to replace Peter Pace so that confirmation hearings don’t dwell too heavily on the past.
Defense
Lawmakers say body armor firm made false claims
Labels may have been inaccurate, panel members say; company fails to present solid evidence backing claims tests were rigged.
News
Senate panel agrees to disclose earmarks in Defense bill
Committee and conference reports on the measure must list the name of the sponsor and the intended location of the pet projects.
Defense
Senator keeps program for alternate fighter jet engine alive
Proponent of second engine argues competition will result in savings and a better final product.
Defense
Senate panel to boost funding for Army future combat program
Increase would mark a departure from the House, which passed language last week that would slice $867 million from the program.
Defense
McCain seeks limits on Pentagon’s use of multiyear contracts
Proponents of the approach say savings are significant and worthwhile; critics argue such arrangements hinder oversight.
Defense
Group urges funding of civilian units to back up Guard
Teams would focus on local emergencies, unlike the “Civilian Reserve Corps” proposed in President Bush’s State of the Union address.
Defense
Lawmaker says Pentagon uncooperative in probe of Iraq forces
Subcommittee has faced "considerable difficulties" getting information and documents from the Defense Department, chairman says.
Defense
Bill would bar contractors from running Defense programs
Provision in Defense authorization bill would curb use of "lead systems integrators."
Defense