The next generation unified mission control center for the Space Based Infrared System has moved from development to testing following the successful integration of software and hardware to the station in March, according to a May 11 release by manufacturer Lockheed Martin. The ground system, dubbed increment 2, is expected to replace previously distributed control sites next year. “Consolidating operations into a centralized SBIRS ground system will enable warfighters to more efficiently monitor worldwide threats and alert responders for immediate action,” said David Sheridan, Lockheed Martin vice president and SBIRS program director.
Pentagon officials overseeing homeland counter-drone strategy told lawmakers that even with preliminary moves to bolster U.S. base defenses, the military still lacks the capability to comprehensively identify, track, and engage hostile drones like those that breached the airspace of Langley Air Force Base in Virginia for 17 days in December…