The Defense Department alerted Congress Jan. 13 of a possible $1.3 billion foreign military sale of six V-22 Osprey tilt-rotors to Israel, according to a Defense Security Cooperation Agency release. “The proposed sale of V-22B aircraft will enhance and increase the Israel Defense Forces’ search and rescue and special operations capabilities,” stated DSCA’s Jan. 14 release. “The United States is committed to the security of Israel, and it is vital to U.S. national interests to assist Israel to develop and maintain a strong and ready self-defense capability.” Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel first announced the FMS on a visit to Israel in April as part of a larger arms package, including aerial tankers, F-16 upgrades, and radar-seeking missiles. The proposed sale would include spare engines, full countermeasure and self-defensive suites, advanced communications equipment, night vision capability, training, and support, according to DSCA.
Unlike nearly every other innovative technology throughout history, Maj. Gen. DeAnna M. Burt believes the space enterprise emerged backward. “Every other domain started with an entrepreneur who built something,” Burt, the special assistant to the Chief of Space Operations, told an audience at AFA’s Air, Space & Cyber Conference.