News
Finland and Sweden apply to join NATO
Finland and Sweden formally applied to join NATO on May 17, following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and triggering one of the most significant changes in Europe’s security architecture in decades. decades.
Review finds US troops did not break law in Syria airstrike
The investigation comes amid renewed scrutiny by the US military for strikes that cause innocent deaths.
US and NATO engaged in ‘long-term’ conflict with Russia, Polish PM says
NATO and the West must be “in the long-term fight” economically, diplomatically and militarily to support Ukraine against Russian aggression, Poland’s prime minister said on May 17.
Ukraine abandons Mariupol as Russia attacks both east and west
After months of a devastating siege, the city of Mariupol is now in Russian hands as forces from Moscow focus their attacks elsewhere.
Business
Greece seeks to join F-35 program as it lobbies against F-16 sale to Turkey
Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis traveled to the White House and Congress this week to advocate for the acquisition of the F-35 stealth fighter jet while lobbying against Turkey’s attempts to upgrade its aging fleet of F-16s and to acquire additional aircraft.
Rafael unveils Aerospike missile for close air support
Rafael Advanced Defense Systems has unveiled a new air-to-surface missile that the company is promoting as a lightweight munition for fixed-wing aircraft performing close air support missions.
Defense
UFOs Are Real Danger, Says DOD, But Aliens Not To Blame – Probably
Defense Department officials confirmed on May 17 that the unidentified flying objects are real and pose a potential serious threat to the country.
Successful test could rejoin Air Force hypersonic program
The Air Force successfully tested its AGM-183A air-launched rapid response weapon on May 14, potentially giving the beleaguered hypersonic program a chance.
The Pentagon’s high-level group to help Ukraine is rooted in the fight against Iraq and Afghanistan
The Pentagon modeled a new high-level team focused on rushing military aid to Ukraine on the group it used to fast-track troop supplies in Afghanistan, Iraq and Syria, according to a memo obtained by Defense News and sources familiar with the matter.
Red Tape and Lack of Awareness Hamper Air Force Efforts to Keep Airwomen Pregnant in Flight
Fewer than 50 Airmen have applied for permission to fly while pregnant since 2019, the Air Force Times has learned.
As Air Force plans new planes, senators worry about capability gaps
Top senators told Air Force leaders on May 17 that the service’s plans to modernize key parts of its fleet could hurt its ability to carry out critical missions — possibly for years. .
Decision on new F-35 engines expected in 2024 defense budget
Whether the F-35 fighter will get new engines from the Air Force’s advanced engine adaptive transition program is a matter that needs to be resolved at the Department of Defense level, the secretary said. Air Force Frank Kendall to lawmakers May 17 — and he’s waiting for a response. in the 2024 budget.
Veterans
Researchers believe they have found the cause of Gulf War sickness
After the Gulf War, almost a third of all those deployed reported chronic unexplained symptoms such as rashes, fatigue, gastrointestinal and digestive problems, brain “fog”, neuropathy and muscle and joint pain.
Bill awarding congressional gold medal to WWII Rangers awaits Biden’s signature
They volunteered to fight in World War II and saw battles from the beaches of Normandy to the jungles of the Philippines, but age took its toll more than those battles.
