Daily Report

The 50th Space Wing at Schriever AFB, Colo., successfully moved the last of six Global Positioning System satellites to its new location Tuesday, completing a two-phase, 18-month expansion of the 30-satellite constellation. The wing undertook this initiative, known as “Expandable...

The second flight test of an X-51A experimental hypersonic air vehicle was cut short when the vehicle’s scramjet engine ignited but did not transition to full power, announced Air Force officials Wednesday. “Obviously we’re disappointed and expected better results,” said...

Defense Secretary Robert Gates told Senate legislators Wednesday that a hollowed-out NATO still beats having no transatlantic alliance. “A NATO that has reduced capabilities is still better than no NATO at all,” said Gates during a Fiscal 2012 budget hearing...

Two specially configured C-130s from the California Air National Guard’s 146th Airlift Wing at Channel Islands ANG Station on Wednesday deployed to Kirtland AFB, N.M., to help contain wildfires that have been raging for nearly two weeks in the southwestern...

The Indian defense ministry signed the foreign military sales agreement with the US government to acquire 10 C-17 transports by 2014, announced Boeing Wednesday. This “transaction reaffirms our close relationship of several decades with India and also highlights our commitment...

The Pentagon released its first operational energy strategy, which is intended to transform the way the US military consumes energy on the battlefield. This report, mandated by Congress, outlines three main goals. The first is to "reduce the demand for energy in military operations" and provide "better range and better endurance" for deployed forces, said Sharon Burke, the Pentagon's operational energy chief, during a press briefing Tuesday. The second goal is to diversify DOD's energy options, such as developing alternative fuels for legacy platforms, she said. The third goal is to achieve more capability for less cost by breaking the trend that more capable also means requiring more energy, she said. "The department will incorporate operational energy security into all stages of strategic planning and force development, from campaign planning to requirements, to acquisitions," said Burke. The Pentagon intends to release an implementation plan within the next three months with more specific objectives and timelines. (Lynn-Burke transcript) (Energy strategy full document; caution, large-sized file.)

Despite delays that have plagued the F-35 strike fighter program, prime contractor Lockheed Martin said it’s tracking ahead of schedule so far this year with the aircraft’s flight testing. Through May 31, there were a total of 378 test flights...

Local citizens and former French employees of Chaumont Air Base in northeastern France—now long closed—invited the 48th Fighter Wing to join in the exhibition commemorating the unit’s former home. Jointly organized by the Chaumont Air Base Association and Chaumont Militaria...

Northrop Grumman’s Firebird intelligence-gathering aircraft simultaneously engaged three electro-optical sensors, while also operating a fourth payload—a milestone achievement, according to the company. This demonstration took place last month during US Joint Forces Command’s Empire Challenge exercise at Fort Huachuca, Ariz....