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 European Low Fares Airline Association (ELFAA) has announces that in 2009 its members carried 162.5 million passengers – an 8.7% increase on the previous year.
“These figures show clearly how ELFAA members are bucking the trend in the aviation sector when it comes to passenger numbers,” observed John Hanlon, secretary-general of ELFAA. “It also demonstrates beyond any doubt that the economic crisis need not be an excuse for airlines to go cap in hand to governments pleading for unjust cash injections.”
ELFAA said its members also led the way in job creation, taking on an additional 3,000 permanent employees in Europe last year, an increase of 12.5% on 2008. The Association added that this “further underscores the fact that the low-fare airline sector is well on the way to becoming the principal player in European aviation”.
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.