The Pentagon acquisition chief, Ken Krieg, has given the Air Force permission to proceed with the restructured Space-Based Infrared System satellite program, reports Rebecca Christie of Dow Jones Newswires (report via CNNMoney.com). The program had been in technological and financial jeopardy, prompting the Air Force to begin work on an Alternative Infrared Satellite System. Krieg says AIRSS research should continue.
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.