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Advanced concepts focus on lower cost and less dependency on conventional runways. Concepts being designed for futuristic unmanned aircraft missions reach far beyond the standard intelligence-gathering mission to very long-range strike, vertical operations and ultra-long-endurance surveillance. All are being structured as compatible with an open, standardized architecture that will also be applied to the company's designs for the Joint Unmanned Combat Aircraft System and Unmanned Combat Armed Rotorcraft competitions, said Hermann Altmann, director of concept development for advanced systems.

Focuses on the United States combat readiness ratings, as of March 9, 1998. Comments on the over-commitment of US forces; Limited supplies and fuel; Mention of training shortfalls; Downsizing of the armed forces; Effects of military budgeting; Consideration of weapons systems, and sustainability.

The author examines the finances of the U.S. Coast Guard's new role in homeland security. Topics include funding projects, terrorism prevention, and maintaining operational readiness.

Several letters to the editor is presented in response to the articles related to investment in technology, combat readiness and security strategy.

The article focuses on procurement and restructuring activities by the Russian Air Force. According to Air Force chief, Colonel General Alexander Zelin, the restructuring of the service is aimed at improving operational readiness and acquiring its urgent requirements for countering future threats. The move would involve changes in organizational structure, aircraft, weaponry, training and infrastructure.

This article presents a narrative of the author's experience on his 28th combat mission during the Operation Desert Storm. On February 25, 1991, F-16 wingman, Geoff "Grover" Cleveland, and the author arrived at the 421st Tactical Fighter Squadron. The unit had deployed five months earlier from Hill AFB, Utah, in support of Operation Desert Shield/Storm. Five weeks into the war, things were going well. The ground phase was underway and allied forces were moving rapidly into Kuwait. Cleveland waited patiently on the tanker's left wing. He dropped into refueling position as the author punched in the primary strike radio frequency and contacted Airborne Warning and Control aircraft.

The U.S. aerospace designers competing for the unmanned combat armed rotorcraft (UCAR) program are concocting a technological cocktail comprising speed, aggressive terrain masking, aircraft teaming, advanced aural or sound and visual stealth. The Army also wants flights of aircraft that can operate autonomously but attack cooperatively. A major new problem facing UCAR developers is avoiding low-level obstacles like hills, trees and wires and at the same time detecting threats that are shooting at the aircraft from the ground.

Reports the release of the revised multilayer defense spending plan to increase funding. Percentage increase of the level of military spending; Initial deliveries of the NH-90 transport version; Accounts on the quantity of light armored vehicles.

Focuses on the combat readiness of the military forces of Great Britain in the war against Afghanistan. Accusations concerning the ineffectiveness of the air campaign; Need for intelligence about the numbers, disposition and location of Taliban fighters; Distinction between force readiness and immediate deployability.

Focuses on the intelligence preparations for combat operations in the United States. Modernization and restructuring of surveillance fleets; Identification of intelligence aircrafts in operation; Effect of changes in priorities on reconnaissance aircraft development programs.

Focuses on the combat effectiveness of the experimental Enroute Expeditionary Operations Center observed as part of the US Air Force's Joint Expeditionary Force Experiment 1999 held in the United States. Benefits derived from EEOC; Communications and defense systems of EEOC.

Reports that a B-1B squadron has completed a congressionally mandated operational readiness test with an 84.6 percent mission capable (MC) rate, demonstrating the bomber's ability to operate at wartime tempos from an austere location. Conclusion of a six-month Operational Readiness Assessment (ORA) dictated by the 1994 Defense Authorization Act.

The article offers information on the Mississippi Air National Guard (ANG) Combat Readiness Training Center (CRTC) in and around Gulfport run by Colonell John "Hoss" Ladner, an Air Force Academy graduate, having two air-to-ground gunnery ranges, five drop zones, and a hangar space.

The author examines the U.S. Air Force's role in protecting nuclear facilities. Topics include security systems, intruder detection equipment, and prevention of terrorism.

The author examines the U.S. Northern Command's ability to gather and share information with other governmental agencies. Topics include terrorism prevention, information management, and operational readiness.

The article reports that Norway and Sweden are on the verge or making potentially important decisions that will shape the long-term capabilities of their militaries as of 2008. For Sweden, the issue is mainly one of the armed forces digesting stringent financial cuts made by the government in 2007. On the other hand, the Norwegian government is trying to get a handle of operational commitments and long-term needs.

The article reports on the declaration of an initial operational capability for the C-130J airlifter by the Air Mobility Command of the U.S. Air Force. During the first deployment of the military aircraft to Southwest Asia, two C-130J transport planes from the Maryland Air National Guard's 135th Airlift Group marked a 93.1 percent mission-capable rate during 1,381 hours.

The article reports that Great Britain is pushing back the full-operation capability date of its Joint Strike Fighter aircraft and extending the service life of the platform it is slated to replace. It has intended to have its Joint Combat Aircraft, as it refers to Lockheed Martin F-35, declared with a full operational capability in 2017, but this date has been slipped to 2021. The only air-to-surface weapon presently earmarked for integration before the full operational capability is the Raytheon Paveway IV precision-guided bomb.

The article reports that as the Pentagon moves into the final stages of its Quadrennial Defense Review , the four-year assessment of the U.S. military strategy, possible cutbacks in the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter (JSF) program are worrying international partners now working on the $60-billion project to build the next-generation combat aircraft. The emphasis on cost control and price was one of the JSF's main attractions for potential international customers.

This article reports that Turkey is being offered full partnership in the Eurofighter Typhoon combat aircraft program. With a Greek deal to purchase the Typhoon near moribund, Eurofighter is turning its attention to Athens' Aegean neighbor as it seeks export sales. Irrespective of Ankara's recent $1.1-billion investment in a Lockheed Martin F-16 upgrade program and Turkey's interest in the F-35, industry executives involved with the Typhoon believe there is an opportunity for the aircraft. The tactic is to position the Typhoon as a complement, rather than a competitor, to the Joint Strike Fighter. In addition to the technology transfer, Turkey would be given source-code software for the Typhoon's avionics and combat systems.

Reports the collaborative effort offered by European countries to develop combat aircraft systems. Study initiated for the standardization of combat aircrafts; Launching of European Technology Acquisition Program initiated by the ministers; Continuation of the previous agreements and for industry consolidation and competitiveness.

Reports the implications of Boeing cancellation on the acquisition of wide-body aircrafts by the United States Air Force. Influx and payload range of the development program; Considerations of the agency on tanker buying initiative; Integration of the multisensor command and control on their system.

The author examines transformation plans by the U.S. Department of Defense. Topics include operational readiness, troop deployment, and military strategy.