The DOD Inspector General has decided that retired Adm. Dennis Blair did not corrupt the Institute for Defense Analyses review of the F-22A program, despite having a stake in a minor subcontractor. The IG does believe that IDA-head Blair “violated IDA’s conflict of interest standards” for not disqualifying himself, states the IG report. It goes on to state that his failure to do so had “no impact” on IDA’s F-22 work. Following the Congressional uproar over the issue this summer, Blair stepped down from his position on the EDO board.
The U.S. supports “a stronger and more capable” European defense, Defense Secretary Lloyd J. Austin III said during an Oct. 22 press conference in Brussels—but that defense should not duplicate the functions and capabilities of the NATO alliance.