The Pentagon most likely will have to start updating defense plans soon, taking into account projected climate change. Government Executive reports that the Senate-approved version of the 2008 defense authorization bill includes a provision, just as the House version of the policy bill does, to direct DOD to consider climate change effects. Retired Air Force Gen. Charles Wald, member of a study group of retired flag officers, noted earlier this year that climate change-induced food and water shortages have sparked conflicts, particularly in hard-hit Africa, from which we import much of our oil.
Facing competition from fast-growing startups, Lockheed Martin is speeding up production of an “affordable, scalable” hypersonic glide body, dubbed the Next Generation Glide Body, the firm said in a June 24 release.