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.
The ATR 42-600 pre-series aircraft has had a successful first flight from Toulouse.
The aircraft, powered with Pratt & Whitney PW127M engines, completed a two-hour flight, thus starting a flight test campaign of approximately 75 hours. Among other checks, the aircraft underwent tests regarding engine performance and the function of its specifically developed Thales avionics suite, which integrates the newest computer systems and software for navigational aids, flight data recording, automatic piloting and communications. The pilots also tested hydraulic and electrical systems and blades balancing.
“The first flight of the ATR 42-600 is the culmination of the dedication and strong efforts of our team and our partners in order to prepare this new aircraft for its flight test campaign,” emphasised Stéphane Mayer, ATR’s chief executive officer. “With the ATR 42-600, we are proud to develop a new aircraft that has been specifically designed to optimally match the 50-seat regional market requirements, both in terms of comfort and performance.”
The ATR ‘-600’ series was launched in October 2007 since when ATR has gained 59 firm orders (5 ATR 42-600s and 54 ATR 72-600s).
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.
As gangs gain control of Port-au-Prince, Haiti’s Caribbean neighbours have been preparing to intervene in the failed state, with the US and other partners waiting in the wings with equipment and financial support.