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Aircraft industry

Aerospace and Defense Trends: Paris Air Show, Directed Energy Weapons, and More

Strategic Insights

— 2 min read

Aerospace and defense trends continue to evolve, with the possibility of the V-22 Osprey making an appearance at the Paris Air Show still on the table. Meanwhile, officials are studying potential weapons to equip the next block of V-22 aircraft, and a new book by William Arkin reveals sensitive military programs and operations through over 3,000 code names. The military is also moving forward with directed energy weapons, with the directed energy roadmap outlined in a recent briefing.

Key Takeaways:

  • The V-22 Osprey may still make an appearance at the Paris Air Show, according to Air Force Col Craig Olson, head of the Joint Program Office.
  • Officials are studying potential weapons for the next block of V-22 aircraft, including self-defense options for Block B and beyond.
  • A new book by William Arkin, "Code Names," reveals over 3,000 code names of sensitive military programs and operations, including highly classified UAV and reconnaissance programs.
  • The military is moving forward with directed energy weapons, with the directed energy roadmap briefed to Ron Sega, the Pentagon's director of defense, research and engineering.
  • The Marines have demonstrated the BAE SYSTEMS M777 lightweight howitzer at Fort Sill, Okla., which will be fielded with the Army and Marines through 2009.
  • New Zealand's Disarmament and Arms Control Minister, Marian Hobbs, will give a keynote address at the NPT 2005 Review Conference in Atlanta, Ga.
  • Australia's Army Reserves have taken on a greater operational role in the Solomon Islands and Timor, with some providing security on navy vessels in Operation Relex II.
  • Navy Secretary Gordon England is under consideration for the vacant job as Air Force Secretary, following James Roche's departure.
  • The Navy is expected to announce the winner of the historic competition between Sikorsky and a Lockheed Martin team to build the next-generation of presidential transport helicopters.

Statistics:

  • Over 3,000 code names of sensitive military programs and operations revealed in William Arkin's new book, "Code Names".
  • 5 aircraft and 3 test birds to be awarded a system design and development contract for the Marine One presidential transport helicopters.
  • The BAE SYSTEMS M777 lightweight howitzer will be fielded with the Army and Marines through 2009.
  • New Zealand's Disarmament and Arms Control Minister, Marian Hobbs, will deliver a keynote address at the NPT 2005 Review Conference in Atlanta, Ga.

Sources:

  • Air Force Col Craig Olson
  • William Arkin's book "Code Names"
  • Directed energy roadmap briefing to Ron Sega
  • Marines demonstration of the BAE SYSTEMS M777 lightweight howitzer at Fort Sill, Okla.
  • New Zealand's Disarmament and Arms Control Minister, Marian Hobbs
  • Australia's Army Reserves in Operation Relex II
  • Navy Secretary Gordon England
  • Sikorsky and Lockheed Martin competition for Marine One presidential transport helicopters

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