USAF has awarded Boeing a $4.2 million contract to work Phase 2 of the Dual Role Air Dominance Missile technology effort, one of several expected to lead to a Joint Dual Role Air Dominance Missile for the Air Force and Navy. The JDRADM is expected to combine both air-to-air and air-to-ground capabilities in one missile. A Boeing release states that the DRADM technology effort focuses on developing the missile’s propulsion and control systems, and Phase 2 would refine those technologies, leading to lab and ground testing. JDRADM is a potential follow-on to the Advanced Medium Range Air-to-Air Missile.
U.S. Southern Command recently announced its first lethal strike on a suspected narco-trafficking vessel in two months, and the first under a newly formed permanent counter-cartel task force. The U.S. is also reportedly planning to transfer MQ-9 drones to Colombia to bolster its counter-cartel efforts.