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.
Turkish low-fare airline, Pegasus Airlines, is to launch new direct flights from the UK to Antalya, Bodrum and Dalaman for the summer season.
Growing demand has led Pegasus to introduce these direct flights from the UK to the three Turkish holiday destinations, flying variously from London Gatwick, London Stansted, Manchester and Birmingham.
There will be direct flights to Dalaman every Monday and Friday from London Gatwick and Manchester airports plus a Sunday service from Gatwick. There will also be direct flights to Antalya every Sunday from both Birmingham and Manchester, as well the reintroduction of a weekly direct flight to Bodrum from London Stansted on Sundays.
The summer services will operate between the beginning of May until October.
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.