In alignment with the U.S. transition to a security strategy predicated on a return to great power competition, Valiant Shield 2018 involved multidomain operation drills and enabled soldiers to “train side-by-side at the high end in an at-sea environment,” said exercise director Rear Adm. Daniel Dwyer.

“In any future conflict, no service will go alone,” Dwyer said. “Any opportunity that we can come together to train as a joint force makes us that much more lethal and capable.”

Participants included the aircraft carrier Ronald Reagan, five surface ships, more than 160 aircraft and approximately 15,000 personnel.

Based in the waters of the Marianas Island Range Complex and on Guam, the exercise was headed by Army Lt. Col. Joe Hansen, Multi-Domain Task Force commander with the 17th Field Artillery Brigade. Hansen developed three priorities for the exercise: to validate and improve communication systems and architecture; facilitate and integrate artillery capabilities in the Indo-Pacific maritime environment; and inform and improve upon the multidomain operational discussion.

Participants practiced some of these skills before the exercise began, as more than 3,000 Guam-based and visiting units were re-tasked to assist civil authorities in response to Typhoon Mangkhut, which delayed the exercise.

“The U.S. military is not a fair-weather force,” Dwyer said. “We’ll fight in any conditions, day or night. This is just real-world operational training for us. It has been great for the crews to adapt, overcome, plan and execute. I am incredibly proud of the joint force coming together.”

During the exercise U.S. forces tested a range of capabilities including maritime security operations, amphibious operations, and anti-submarine and air-defense exercises. A new shallow-mine capability was tested for the first time with the Joint Direct Attack Munition and the updated Quickstrike precision mine by B-52 bombers of the Air Force’s 96th Bomb Squadron alongside the Navy’s P-8A Poseidon maritime patrol aircraft of Patrol Squadron Five.

“In the past, the mines were dropped by gravity weapons, so the B-52s and bombers had to be low to meet their accuracy,” said Air Force Capt. Craig Quinnett, Quickstrike’s B-52 test lead. “With Joint Direct Attack Munition and the Quickstrike extended-range weapon, we have the ability to deploy precision mines from a standoff role, which gives us a huge capability.”

At the end of the drills, the joint forces executed a sink exercise to find, fix, target and finish a target at sea. “SINKEX gives us that opportunity to do an end-to-end test of our joint capabilities,” Dwyer said.

A key to keeping down modernization costs will be the force’s ability to field systems that can easily be updated as new technology develops, according to Gen. Timothy Ray, commander of Global Strike Command.

“What I really want to drive home is that if we have a force, whatever the size of the force, it has to be affordable,” Ray said at the Air Force Association’s annual Air, Space and Cyber Conference on Sept. 18. Ray believes prices will be affordable depending on the service’s “ability to field a relevant force as part of our integrated capabilities, both nuclear and conventional, that has a rapid capability to be updated and modified.”

Communications systems, weapons, sensors and defensive capabilities are very sensitive to technological change, which “is already going on much faster than what we can field right now using the old legacy processes,” Ray said. Ray pointed to the B-21 bomber as having “the right attributes that are going to set us up for success.”

Others suggest that looking at the unit price for bombers is deceptive and does not allow the Air Force to address its critical modernization needs.

“It is very easy to look at individual unit cost [per bomber], but that does not equate to value,” Retired Lt. Gen David Deptula said. “People, particularly programmers, like to talk about cost, but they don’t talk about the effectiveness piece.”

This sentiment was echoed by retired Lt. Gen. Bob Elder Jr., who feels the public and some military members do not appreciate the active role bombers play in defending the U.S. As busy as these bombers are, Edler said, “it’s a bargain” for how much the Air Force pays for them.

Deptula also believes that if the Air Force is serious about modernization, it is past time that requirements for meeting U.S. strategic goals determine force structure, rather than depending on “arbitrary budget lines.”

“For way too long our force structure has been solely driven by the budget and not the war-fighting demands of our nation’s security strategy,” he said. “I dare say no one will argue with the preamble of the Constitution, which basically talks about how we form government to provide for the common defense, and then to promote the general welfare. It doesn’t say the other way around.”

“People will say the new enterprise is going to be too expensive, so don’t keep it. I don’t agree,” Ray said, adding that a more competitive approach will enable the Air Force to drive down procurement and modernization costs.

“I have got to know our competitive nature of our approach will draw the talent from industry; or if I’m not quite certain with a technical capability or the capability is so far advanced I can’t draw the talent from industry, now I find myself with an important issue,” Ray noted.

In regard to ensuring the service can get the funding to grow its squadrons, Ray added: “Where you drop cost down and have a rapid modification capability or a relevant force for an extended period of time, then you begin to tell a more complete story,” which he explained should help dollars keep flowing into necessary programs.

So when the leaders of the Air Force’s Global Strike Command, Space Command, commander in Europe and Africa and special operations head all shared a stage at the Air Force Associations annual conference to discuss operations, its no surprise they chose to focus on how the service plans to leverage space assets to project power in the 21st century.

One reason space is so important, not just to the Air Force, but all military services, is that space assets enable multidomain operations that are becoming the norm in the modern warfare. Citing the Air Force’s successful strikes against Assad-regime chemical weapons manufacturing sites in Syria in April, Gen. Tod D. Wolters, commander of U.S. Air Forces in Europe and Africa, explained the mission was successful because “we had well-vetted and thorough multidomain operations.”

Another key reason the Air Force is doubling down on space is because the outcome of a conflict with a near-peer will largely depend on winning the battle in space. “If deterrence fails I am convinced … if we are up against a peer or near-peer we are going to have to fight for space superiority,” said Gen. John Raymond, commander of Air Force Space Command. “As the National Defense Strategy talks about, that’s going to require capability from multiple domains to come forward,” he added.

Raymond noted the need to control assets in space was prioritized in the National Security Strategy, which talks about “unfettered access to and freedom to maneuver in space as a vital national interest. That’s significant, it wasn’t in the last National Security Strategy.”

And unlike in previous endeavors beyond Earth’s atmosphere, the U.S. is no longer going it alone. Looking at the spectrum of operations “from humanitarian assistance and disaster relief on one end to kinetic on the other end, there is nothing that isn’t done without multidomain operations or integration of air, space and cyber together, and there is nothing we do not do without our allies,” Raymond said. “So by definition multidomain, [and command and control] has to be coalition friendly.”

Considering the need for U.S. partners in space and how the space environment has evolved, Raymond explained, “we haven’t needed to have partners in space before. It was a benign domain…. That is not the case today and we are working really hard to develop those partnerships that we enjoy in all other domains than space.”

But projecting power from space requires work to be done on terra firma by the U.S. and its allies.

Gen. Timothy Ray, commander of U.S. Air Force global strike command, explained “The ability to improve much faster at our bases and our power projection platforms absolutely has to be an integrated conversation. We talk about integrating air space and cyber we fundamentally have to master the integration of our bases.”

One impediment to multidomain operations involves issues in linking the service’s disparate communication and information networks to share targeting data and communications. Rebecca Grant, a national security analyst with IRIS Independent Research, identified her “No. 1 problem” as “the communications architecture.”

This stuff is not there yet,” she said Wednesday at the Defense News Conference. “I’m less worried about the platforms, we’ve got some magnificent platforms. We’ve got to have that communication architecture. All the ability to do that is there, whether that’s secure waveforms or the [radio frequency] links, but we have to take the plunge now, immediately, to go out and experiment with this next year.”

The need for an integrated communications network was echoed by L3 Technologies’ vice president of communications technology.

“You need a network that can take all the networks we have right now, a systems-of-systems-level approach, that can tie these disparate networks together because you don’t want to get rid of that install base because its too expensive to replace,” Keith Gentile said.

Another challenge involves changing the services’ doctrinal approaches to operations, especially as each branch becomes more dependent on one another.

Gentile said that if the U.S. plans to quickly respond to enemy developments, doctrine surrounding operations in the domains must change.

“There’s a role mission and function issue that needs to be addressed when you talk about cross-domain or multidomain capabilities because each of the services operates in different domains,” he said. “You got to go ahead and get away from the parochial pieces of service stovepipes, mission roles and functions — and realize you are talking about cross-domain capabilities.”

Jaret Riddick, the director of the Vehicle Technology Directorate at the Army Research Laboratory, cited the service’s recently stood-up Futures Command as one example of change within the services.

“I would not downplay the steps the Army is making in standing up Futures Command. To take a four-star command and make the type of reorganization that has not happened since the early 1970s — I would not call that incremental,” he said.

The agency will test the MQ-9 with the advanced sensor “in realistic test scenarios” at locations inside and outside the continental United States, according to a Department of Defense statement. The MQ-9, which is designed for both intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance missions and ordnance delivery, is currently fitted with Raytheon’s multi-spectral targeting system, which combines electro-optical infrared sensors with laser designation and laser illumination capabilities to form one holistic precision targeting system.

In June 2016, two MQ-9′s tracked a ballistic missile target during the Pacific Dragon missile defense drill, which included the United States, Japan and South Korea.

But the agency has envisioned an even greater role for the Reaper in missile defense missions than tracking targets. According to the Arms Control Association, the Department of Defense has planned to spend $563.5 million in FY19 as the MDA works towards its goal of deploying a laser-armed high-altitude, long-endurance drone by 2023.

The Defense Department said the contract was competitively run under MDA’s broad agency announcement for advanced technology innovation, which solicited submissions for white papers on 11 topics ranging from sensors and communications to international ballistic missile defense system cooperation to advanced kill vehicle technology and architecture. Work on the contract will be performed in San Diego, California, and run from August 2018 through October 2021.

Other keynote speakers include Ellen Lord, under secretary of defense for acquisition and sustainment; Air Force Secretary Heather Wilson; and Rep. Adam Smith, D-Wash., the ranking member on the House Armed Services Committee.

Richardson will provide his perspective on what the Navy is doing in response to changes in U.S. defense strategy and a return to great power competition. David Larter, Defense News naval warfare reporter, will also moderate a discussion on the future of the fleet with the chairman of Seapower and Projection Forces Subcommittee, Rep. Rob Wittman, R-Va.; and the deputy chief of naval operations for warfare systems, Vice Adm. William Merz among the participants.

Senior leadership from the other services are also well represented at this year’s conference. Marine Corps Lt. Gen. H. Stacy Clardy, military deputy for the office of the under secretary of defense for personnel and readiness; Lt. Gen. Mark Kelly, Air Force deputy chief of staff of operations; and Maj. Gen. Maria Gervais, deputy commanding general for the U.S. Army combined arms center-training will join Defense News executive editor Jill Aitoro to discuss the challenges of maintaining mission readiness in an era of evolving threats.

For insights on Army Futures Command, Vice Chief of Staff Gen. James McConville, Under Secretary of the Army Ryan McCarthy and Gen. John Murray, the recently appointed head of Futures Command, will speak on the new command’s modernization priorities and strategy.

The conference will feature seven interactive panels with these and other leaders from across the defense community. These panels include:

• Mission Readiness: Adapting to the Evolving Threat: The services are rapidly modernizing and replacing old equipment. This panel will discuss how they are preparing forces to use these technologies against current and future threats.
• Army Systems Modernization: Priorities for the Futures Command: As the Army pushes ahead with rearranging its modernization priorities, what tactical efforts and platforms will fall under Futures Command?
• Multi-Domain Warfare: Defining Battlespace Operations: As modern technologies blur the boundaries between domains, effective communication and operation across services is becoming all the more important. This panel will explore the technological and operational requirements to enable multi-domain warfare. 
• International Partnership: Defense Investments in the Era of Global Instability: The U.S. and its allies are increasing their defense investments in response to the contemporary threat environment. What are the defense spending goals, and how do they respond to global and domestic security concerns. 
• Fleet 2030: The Vision of the Future Navy:  If 2017 was a year in crisis for the Navy and 2018 a year of recovery efforts, the next decade and beyond will shape a new path forward in system development and strategy. Hear from Navy leadership what needs to be done to right the proverbial ship. 
• Military Innovation: Leveraging and Countering Future Tech: What is the Pentagon doing to adopt and defend against emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence, hypersonics, directed energy and cyberwarfare? Defense leaders will chime in.
• Autonomy and AI: Enabling Modern Warfare through Man and Machine:  Once only found in sci-fi, artificial intelligence, machine learning and autonomy now stand as a central aspect to future warfighting capabilities and technologies. This panel will examine how services are adapting existing systems and investing in new technologies to enable smarter platforms and better situational awareness.  

More information on the agenda and how to register can be found here.

This year’s conference will bring together senior-level military and industry leaders to discuss changes in U.S. defense strategy and a return to great power competition, and what that means for procurement, technology development and international cooperation.

Other keynote speakers include Ellen Lord, under secretary of defense for acquisition, technology and logistics and Representative Adam Smith, D-Wash., the ranking member on the House Armed Services Committee. Among the confirmed panelists are Rear Adm. David J. Hahn, chief of naval research; Lt. Gen. John Murray, deputy chief of staff of the U.S. Army, and likely the first Futures Command commander; Tanya Skeen, executive director of the Army Rapid Capabilities Office; and Mike Madsen, partner and head of Washington operations at DIUx.

Smith will participate in a fireside chat with Defense News Congress reporter Joe Gould. The discussion will focus on Smith’s defense budget priorities, the prospect of a democratic take over of the House after the November mid-term elections, and how the House, Senate and Trump administration might find a consensus on military spending.

The conference will also feature seven interactive panels with leaders from across the defense community. These panels include:

• Mission Readiness: Adapting to the Evolving Threat: The services are rapidly modernizing and replacing old equipment. This panel will discuss how they are preparing forces to use these technologies against current and future threats.
• Army Systems Modernization: Priorities for the Futures Command: As the Army pushes ahead with rearranging its modernization priorities, what tactical efforts and platforms will fall under Futures Command?
• Multi-Domain Warfare: Defining Battlespace Operations: As modern technologies blur the boundaries between domains, effective communication and operation across services is becoming all the more important. This panel will explore the technological and operational requirements to enable multi-domain warfare. 
• International Partnership: Defense Investments in the Era of Global Instability: The U.S. and its allies are increasing their defense investments in response to the contemporary threat environment. What are the defense spending goals, and how do they respond to global and domestic security concerns. 
• Fleet 2030: The Vision of the Future Navy:  If 2017 was a year in crisis for the Navy and 2018 a year of recovery efforts, the next decade and beyond will shape a new path forward in system development and strategy. Hear what Navy leadership thinks needs to be done to right the proverbial ship. 
• Military Innovation: Leveraging and Countering Future Tech: What is the Pentagon doing to adopt and defend against emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence, hypersonics, directed energy and cyberwarfare? Defense leaders will chime in.
• Autonomy and AI: Enabling Modern Warfare through Man and Machine:  Once only found in sci-fi, artificial intelligence, machine learning and autonomy now stand as a central aspect to future warfighting capabilities and technologies. This panel will examine how services are adapting existing systems and investing in new technologies to enable smarter platforms and better situational awareness. 

You can get more information or register for the conference here.

Co-developed by Norwegian firm Kongsberg and American company Raytheon, the missile is being developed for the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter, but initial integration tests are being conducted on the F-16.

“JSM demonstrated its remarkable ability to recognize and destroy specific targets in challenging flight conditions,” said Mike Jarrett, Raytheon air warfare systems vice president. “This test signaled the completion of an important phase of development, and showed promising progress for this missile to outpace some of today’s toughest defense systems.”

The JSM is a fifth-generation long-range, anti-ship and land-attack cruise missile that employs an imaging infrared seeker that enables autonomous target recognition, and a two-way data link to power target-update, retargeting and mission-abort capabilities.

Based on Kongsberg’s Naval Strike Missile, the JSM is the only cruise missile currently scheduled for integration onto the F-35, which carries the munition in its internal weapons bay.

WASHINGTON ― U.S. Navy pilots from Carrier Air Wing One, placed aboard the aircraft carrier Harry S. Truman, are conducting integrated flight operations with French Naval Aviation aircraft this week.

Designed to increase readiness, demonstrate systems and mission interoperability, and strengthen NATO, the exercise tests pilots by practicing air warfare and strike techniques. Aircraft taking part in the exercise include the U.S. Navy’s F/A-18 Super Hornet and E-2D Hawkeye as well as France’s Dassault Rafale M fighters.

“France is our oldest ally and a vital partner in ensuring security and stability in the region and across the globe,” said Rear Adm. Gene Black, the commander of Carrier Strike Group 8. “The opportunity to integrate with French Naval Aviation helps us enhance our interoperability as we work to achieve common objectives.”

During the exercise, flight operations were conducted over France and in French and international waters in the Bay of Biscay.

“When we operate together we’re stronger than just the sum of our parts, and this training continues our investment in that cooperation,” Black said.

WASHINGTON ― Paratroopers from the 82nd Airborne Division of the U.S. Army crossed the Atlantic Ocean to participate in the Swift Response 18 exercise to demonstrate the unit’s readiness and global response capability.

The unit took off on a 7,000-kilometer, nonstop flight from its home base in Fort Bragg, North Carolina, to Lithuania and Latvia on June 8.

During the flight, a C-17 Globemaster aircraft completed one aerial fueling, before members of the 82nd and British Army paratroopers assigned to the 3rd Regiment Parachute Battalion descended on the drop zones in Rukla, Lithuania, and Ādaži, Latvia.

Airborne forces from nine nations participated in the exercise, including Israel, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, Portugal, Spain, the United Kingdom and the United States.

“By working with our NATO allies and partner nations, we are able to maintain and strengthen our interoperability,” said U.S. Army Lt. Col. Scott Pence, the commander in charge of the jump near Rukla. “Every time we do an exercises like this and work with the Lithuanians, the Polish or Latvians, we are able to test our communication systems, our signals, and also our battle tactics, techniques and procedures.”

After reaching the ground, the soldiers simulated securing an airfield, with Lithuanian soldiers playing the opposition force.

“This is the whole purpose of our training: to show our allies our readiness and show our command we are ready to go anytime, anywhere,” said Pvt. Daniel Guevara, a paratrooper assigned to 1st Battalion, 508th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division.