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Homeland Security

Back To The Drawing Board For U.S. Bio-Threat Detection, Commission Recommends

By Cal Biesecker

Thursday, October 14th, 2021

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Back To The Drawing Board For U.S. Bio-Threat Detection, Commission Recommends

BD21 System Concept Illustration from Biological Detection for the 21st Century Virtual Industry Day slideshow, March 18, 2021. (Image: Department of Homeland Security)

The nearly two-decade old BioWatch biological threat detection and warning system is a failure and various attempts to replace it, including the new Biodefense in the 21st Century (BD21) effort, have failed or are failing as well, so the U.S. government needs to develop a new approach to acquire and deploy technology that could rapidly detect a biological attack in the nation’s urban areas to enable a quick response, says a new report from a bipartisan commission. The Bipartisan Commission…

Congress

CENTCOM Looking To Lessons Learned From Use Of LUCAS Drones

U.S Central Command (CENTCOM) is looking to lessons learned from its use of Low-cost Unmanned Combat Attack System (LUCAS) drones by Phoenix-based SpektreWorks, according to CENTCOM head Adm. Brad Cooper. […]

Army

Hegseth Says DoD Open To Reviewing Army’s Planned Cuts To Legacy Helicopter Procurement

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has told lawmakers the Pentagon is open to reviewing the Army’s planned procurement cuts to its legacy manned aviation fleet. Rep. Rosa DeLauro (D-Conn.), ranking member […]

Congress

Appropriators Press For Details On Iran War Costs; DoD’s $29B Estimate Doesn’t Include Base Damage

The Pentagon estimates the U.S.’ ongoing conflict with Iran has now cost at least $29 billion, while a lead official noted the updated figure does not factor in damage to […]

Congress

Appropriators Offer Skepticism On $350B Defense Reconciliation Plan, ‘Big Risk’ For Key Initiatives

Senate and House Appropriators told Pentagon leadership on Tuesday they’re skeptical of the department’s plan to fund $350 billion of the fiscal year 2027 defense budget through the reconciliation process, […]