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.
Flybe has closed a sale and leaseback transaction with Nordic Aviation Capital for four Bombardier Q400 aircraft recently delivered new.
The value of the transaction is approximately $100-million at list prices and senior debt was provided by Export Development Canada.
Flybe currently operates a fleet of 68 aircraft, including 54 Bombardier Q400s with a further four aircraft on firm order for delivery in 2011 plus options on 12 additional aircraft; and 14 Embraer 195s in service plus options on 15 additional aircraft.
David Attenburrow, Flybe’s director of fleet planning, observed, “This is Flybe’s first new aircraft financing with NAC (our eleventh aircraft lessor) and we are delighted to have closed this important transaction. We first worked with NAC in 2007 when, as a result of acquiring BA Connect, we inherited three older Dash 8-300 turboprops leased from NAC.
“In 2009 alone we financed the deliveries of 11 new aircraft which, despite the recent challenging economic and financial climate, we are very pleased to say we financed on time and on budget.”
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.