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.
Indonesia’s Wings Air, the regional subsidiary of Lion Air, and ATR have celebrated the introduction of the first three ATR 72-500s to the Indonesian market.
The aircraft are part of an order placed in 2009 for 15 ATR 72-500s, plus options for 15 ATR 72-600s, valued at some $600 million, options included. The aircraft are configured with 72 seats and have been bought to help Wings Air consolidate its domestic market position, develop feeder routes to the main hubs and expand its network to remote areas of the country which had little or no regular airline connectivity in the past.
Wings Air will also us the ATRs on routes currently operated with MD-80s and increase frequencies on existing routes operated with Lion Air Boeing 737-900ERs. The remaining 12 firm ATR 72-500s will be progressively introduced in 2010 and 2011.
Rusdi Kirana, chairman of Wings Air and CEO of Lion Air, commented, “We are proud of being the first to introduce the ATR 72-500 in Indonesia. Our new fleet of ATRs will also enable us to optimise our operating costs on the regional network, and therefore we will be able to propose very competitive fares to our passengers.”
The photo shows S.H. Sarundajang, Governor of North Sulawesi; Rusdi Kirana, chairman of Wings Air and CEO of Lion Air, Freddy Numberi, Indonesian Minister of Transportation, and Stéphane Mayer, CEO of ATR.
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.