US lawmakers warn that “more military spending is absolutely necessary” to ensure Pentagon’s readiness
The US Congress has raised concerns about how inflation rates and cuts in main acquisition programmes could affect the US military.
Aer Arann has announced a significant expansion to its network with the launch of four new routes to the UK direct from regional Irish airports.
In Kerry, Aer Arann returns to the airport due to popular demand, to re-introduce its Manchester link, operating four days a week from 20 May.
The airline has also launched two new services from City of Derry to Manchester and Edinburgh, both also due to begin operating from 20 May. The Manchester service will operate seven days per week while the Edinburgh service will operate six days per week.
In addition, the current City of Derry–Dublin service will now operate at the earlier time of 07:40 arriving in Dublin at 08:30 offering significantly better onward connecting options for passengers as well as earlier access to the city.
As previously announced, the current Glasgow-Prestwick service from Donegal has been replaced by a direct service to Glasgow Airport, again to facilitate customer demand. Glasgow Airport is just 7 miles from the city and flights will begin operating from 28 March.
Welcoming the new routes, Aer Arann corporate affairs director Andrew Kelly remarked, “We are delighted to introduce these new and returning links to Scotland and the north of England direct from regional airports in the north and south of the country. The routes are proof of our commitment to serving these regions as well as a sign of our growth in the Irish and UK markets. We have listened to our customers and responded to their needs and we look forward to welcoming both these existing and new passengers on our services in the coming months.”
The US Congress has raised concerns about how inflation rates and cuts in main acquisition programmes could affect the US military.
Washington’s ageing inventory and the pace Moscow and Beijing have been modernising their capabilities put in check the US Nuclear deterrence.
The Pentagon has been operating under temporary funding since October 2023, which has impacted its main acquisition and development programmes, increasing the capability gap between the US and China.
In 2023, defence spending increased by an unprecedented 11% across European NATO countries and Canada. Since 2014, the group has spent an additional US$600 billion on defence.
The DoD requested nearly US$850 billion to fund operations over the next fiscal year. Despite the amount being 1% higher than the FY2024 budget request, it has not covered the 3% inflation rate, which could impact the DoD’s main programmes in the medium and long term.
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