The Air Force has confirmed that Air Force Secretary Michael Wynne has asked for the Pentagon Inspector General to investigate the circumstances surrounding award of a contract canceled earlier this year because of protests filed over the award—nearly $50 million for a Thunderbird promotional video. ABC News reported late last week that the IG had enlisted the help of the FBI. According to news reports, the investigation will review actions of current and former top uniformed officials.
A top Pentagon tech official called on industry this week to help the military develop “lighter, more efficient” directed energy weapons designed to go on aircraft and conduct special operations missions or down drones—areas where the Air Force’s directed energy efforts have been quiet as of late.