:

Navy/USMC

SWO BOSS Wants Accelerated Directed Energy Weapons

Tuesday, January 9th, 2024

SHARE:

SWO BOSS Wants Accelerated Directed Energy Weapons

The Afloat Forward Staging Base (Interim) USS Ponce (ASB(I) 15) conducts an operational demonstration of the Office of Naval Research (ONR)-sponsored Laser Weapon System (LaWS) while deployed to the Persian Gulf in 2014. (Photo: U.S. Navy by John F. Williams/Released)

The commander of Naval Surface Forces wants the service to accelerate deployment of directed energy weapons on ships to defend against threats like the Navy is dealing with currently from Houthi actions in the Red Sea. Vice Adm. Brendan McLane, also known as SWO Boss, told reporters when he was captain of a ship the idea of a swarm threat to naval forces was seen as real and prepared for with specific munitions in naval guns. However, he now favors…

Congress

Dems’ Big Night Set To Reshape Top Defense Committee Spots, As Key GOP’ers Knocked Off

Democrats’ sweeping victories in Tuesday’s midterms, taking back control of the House and Senate, are set to reshape key spots atop defense committees, to include House Armed Services panels and […]

Congress

Key Defense Committee Members Face Tight Midterm Races, Including HASC GOP’ers In Virginia

As the mid-term elections near with polls showing an increasing likelihood of a switch in majority control in the House and potentially the Senate, three Virginia Republicans on the House […]

‘Theoretical Potential’ to Achieve 1,509 Combat-Coded Fighters by 2035, USAF Says

In the latest U.S. Air Force fighter force structure report submitted to Congress, the service speaks of a “theoretical potential” to achieve a goal of 1,509 combat-coded fighters in the […]

Budget

Hegseth Pushes For Reconciliation With At Least $350 Billion For Defense ‘Regardless’ Of Midterms Outcome

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said Wednesday the Trump administration plans to continue its push for at least $350 billion in defense funds via the reconciliation process “regardless of what happens […]