Wednesday, April 24, 2024
Connie Lee was an associate editor for Inside the Army until October 2017. She previously worked as a local news reporter in New Mexico and has a BA from Rutgers University.
As Iran continues to rise as an increasing threat, seven Republican senators have introduced a $1.5 billion emergency supplemental appropriations bill, with $750 million targeted to strengthen Israel's missile defense programs.
The Army plans to award a contract in fiscal year 2018 for a system that will protect the functionality of electronics that use the Global Positioning System when faced with outside threats.
The Army's most recent attempt to create an unmanned resupply vehicle was showcased during an Aberdeen Proving Ground visit by the commanding general of the Army Research, Development and Engineering Command.
The Defense Department has shifted $24 million into an Army missile account to restock special operations forces with a small, loitering missile that can locate and defeat obscure and moving targets.
The Army's efforts to develop systems to counter evolving threats, such as rocket-propelled grenades and anti-tank guided missiles, may be limited by "budgetary restraints," according to a report recently sent to Congress.
Although there are no concrete plans to sell Army equipment through a Defense Department effort aimed at improving foreign military sales, the service might focus on selling "Big 5" items in the future, an Army official said at a Sept. 7 conference.
Using fiscal year 2016 procurement funds, the Missile Defense Agency awarded Lockheed Martin a $19 million contract modification to develop two additional Terminal High Altitude Area Defense interceptors, according to an Aug. 26 Defense Department announcement.
The Army is scheduled to hold a system requirement review in October for a new artillery round, a munition that is expected to help the service maintain battlefield "overmatch."
The Army last week released a presolicitation notice regarding a contract for upgrades to the family of medium tactical vehicles, although quantities and funding levels remain pending.
To accommodate for shortfalls that may be found as the Army continues to upgrade its Patriot radar system, government auditors are recommending the service adopt additional oversight mechanisms.
As the Army continues to explore options to strengthen its technological readiness, the Defense Science Board has issued recommendations focused on enterprise solutions for a more autonomous service in a June 2016 report, publicly released Aug. 1.
The Army's new single-profile medical system is expected to give commanders a sharper view of their soldiers' overall readiness, a top Army medical official told reporters during an Aug. 18 breakfast.
During an industry day held last week, the Army outlined its plan for the Ground Mobility Vehicle, which involves modifying an existing commercial vehicle to meet the service's need for increased mobility and agility on the battlefield.
Plans for the Mobile Protected Firepower program, designed to provide Infantry Brigade Combat Teams with long-range, precision fire capabilities, were unveiled at an Aug. 9 industry day, Col. William Nuckols, director of mounted requirements at the Army's Maneuver Center of Excellence, told Inside the Army last week.
In an attempt to harness fresh, innovative ideas for new technologies, the Army is asking small businesses to offer their newest projects and/or ideas with the goal of discovering "possibly game-changing technologies through a novel approach with industry," according to a recent Federal Business Opportunities notice.
The Army awarded AM General a $356 million contract modification July 29 to develop 1,673 High Mobility Multipurpose Wheeled Vehicles for the Afghan National Army and Police, about a year after the company lost out on a contract to build Joint Light Tactical Vehicles.
Outdated equipment and safety concerns have spurred the Army to build the continental United States' only site specifically designed for degraded visual environment testing at Yuma Proving Ground, AZ.