Tag: Defense Contractors

Pentagon stockpiles ‘uncomfortably low’ due to Ukraine arms transfers: DoD

Tina Marie (Ms. Cat)1 Comment

Arms makers are licking their chops as defense officials worry about shortfalls in weapons stockpiles.

Pentagon stockpiles ‘uncomfortably low’ due to Ukraine arms transfers: DoD

Related:

Ukraine War Depleting U.S. Ammunition Stockpiles, Sparking Pentagon Concern

In recent weeks, the level of 155 mm combat rounds in U.S. military storage have become “uncomfortably low,” one defense official said. The levels aren’t yet critical because the U.S. isn’t engaged in any major military conflict, the official added. “It is not at the level we would like to go into combat,” the defense official said.

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In the U.S., it takes 13 to 18 months from the time orders are placed for munitions to be manufactured, according to an industry official. Replenishing stockpiles of more sophisticated weaponry such as missiles and drones can take much longer.

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Speaking on an earnings call July 19, Jim Taiclet, chief executive of Lockheed Martin Corp., said the Pentagon has yet to put the contracts in place or coordinate with industry to buy more supplies, a process that often takes two to three years.

Biden to name a US military operation for Ukraine

Tina Marie (Ms. Cat)

By Kelley Beaucar Vlahos | Responsible Statecraft | August 26, 2022

Amid the news about the admin’s multi-year weapons investment, a general will be appointed for a separate command, too.

Two things that point to the notion that Washington is supporting a long war in Ukraine, and truly doesn’t think there will be a diplomatic solution or cessation of violence there anytime soon: one, the $3 billion in recently announced military transfers is a “multi-year military investment” including weapons that won’t be available via defense contractors for at least three years.

Biden to name a US military operation for Ukraine

Russian MoD Shows Map Showing Possible Consequences of Ukrainian-US Provocation at Zaporozhye NPP + More

Tina Marie (Ms. Cat)1 Comment

Russian MoD Shows Map Showing Possible Consequences of Ukrainian-US Provocation at Zaporozhye NPP

“The ultimate goal of the provocation is the creation of an exclusion zone of up to 30 kilometers, the introduction of international forces and foreign observers into the NPP’s territory, as well as the accusation of the Russian armed forces of nuclear terrorism,” Lt. Gen. Igor Kirillov, the head of the radiation, chemical and biological defense of the Russian armed forces, said on Thursday.

Earlier on Thursday, Russian MoD spokesman Igor Konashenkov told reporters that Kiev plans to stage a false flag attack on the Zaporozhye NPP during Friday’s visit to Ukraine by UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres.

Related:

Any radiation leak at ZNPP would be violation of Article 5 of NATO charter – British MP

He’s reacting to the following story, by The New Voice of Ukraine, which has shady connections*:

Russia preparing false flag operation at Zaporizhzhia NPP, ISW report says (archived)

The ISW “report” is by The Institute for the Study of War, a Neocon think tank:

Read More »

‘I Know You Are But What Am I’: Russia’s Ready Response to US Africa-Alarmism

Tina Marie (Ms. Cat)

Perhaps you’ve heard: not only is Moscow about to maraud its way through Ukraine, not only is Tsar Vladimir I seeking a new Eurasian empire, but – as if to add insult to injury – Russia is “returning” to Africa in a big way, intent on “displacing” the influence of the continent’s apparently rightful influencers (interesting language, that – no?). Anyway, at least that’s the hyper-panicked Russophobic narrative emanating from America’s top think tanks, papers of record, and bipartisan but paltry politicians.

‘I Know You Are But What Am I’: Russia’s Ready Response to US Africa-Alarmism

West Can Not Sustain Prolonged Conflict In Ukraine, Says Pentagon Supplier

Tina Marie (Ms. Cat)1 Comment

US defence industry boss calls for clarity on what arms Ukraine needs

Kathy Warden, chief executive of Northrop Grumman, one of the top five “prime” contractors in the US, warned that weapons stockpiles had not been built to service a lengthy war.

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“I wouldn’t necessarily say that I’ve heard we’re running out, but if you do project forward that we’re going to want to sustain these levels of commitments for another couple of years — that’s certainly not what anyone had built stockpiles to accommodate,” she said.

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“We think in the long term, there’s going to be a requirement to replace Russian air combat capability — fixed wing and rotary wing aircraft” for the Ukrainians, the industry executive said.*

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Northrop was prepared to make investments, including expanding factories “ahead of a contract”, said Warden, but cautioned that industry needed to “get an indication that if we build it, the demand will come”.

It can take years for a defence company to source parts, assemble, test, and deliver a system.

Northrop Grumman generates more than 80 per cent of its annual revenues from contracts with the US government, including key roles on programmes such as the F-35 fighter jet where it provides parts for the weapons system and avionics. It also led the industry team for NASA’s James Webb space telescope.

Like many manufacturers, Northrop Grumman is wrestling with supply chain challenges, in particular shortages of electronic parts such as cables, connectors and power supplies. Lead times for such parts have “doubled or tripled,” said Warden.

*What a co-inky-dink?!

Title borrowed from:

Ukraine Update: West Can Not Sustain Prolonged Conflict In Ukraine, Says Pentagon Supplier