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![U.S. Rep. Rob Wittman, a Virginia Republican, listens to a fellow representative April 9, 2024, at the Sea-Air-Space naval conference.](https://www.navytimes.com/resizer/v2/YNKMB2PZFBGIVPQ6CCMJXZISUI.jpg?auth=7bee9022427a1b1b7c4ea2bccd4cd595a08be88d4f1babb279e249fe575794b7&width=6016&height=4016)
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US Navy’s submarine fleet is too small. Here’s how selling some may help.
The U.S. Navy’s fleet includes 49 attack submarines, despite a formal requirement for 66. It’s also facing crewing and maintenance problems.
Weapons shortages spark tough choices for Ukraine’s allies
Arms shortages among Ukraine’s allies are forcing difficult conversations about how to balance support concerns Russia may target them next.
By Joe Gould
Biden to send Ukraine ammo for HIMARS as Kyiv, Congress push for more
The Pentagon announced Monday it will send $550 million’s worth of new lethal aid for Ukraine, including ammunition for the High Mobility Artillery Rocket System as well as 75,000 rounds of 155mm artillery ammunition.
The congressional fight to scrap littoral combat ships isn’t over
Congress appears poised to save five littoral combat ships from an early retirement, but the chairman of the House Armed Services Committee is saying that the fight to ditch the ships is not yet over.
Defense spending plan for next year will see a significant hike, lawmakers say
Rep. Adam Smith said he'll push for smart spending instead of mere budget boosts, but an increase over the White House plan appears inevitable.
Frustrated lawmakers blast stalled transfer of European aircraft to Ukraine
Lawmakers on both sides of the aisle grilled Biden administration officials Thursday over the Pentagon’s rejection of Poland’s surprise plan give the U.S. its MiG-29 fighter jets for use by Ukraine to repel Russia’s mightier forces.
By Joe Gould
SWO community would see unprecedented changes if this bill becomes law
Under the SWOLE Act, surface warfare officers would be assigned to specialized career paths.
Lawmakers champion China deterrence fund, but not Biden’s version
Fifteen House lawmakers are calling on appropriators to fully fund a $4.7 billion request for the Pacific Deterrence Initiative amid criticism President Joe Biden’s new defense budget submission has missed the mark.
By Joe Gould
Navy to chart new course after rash of problems
The CNO insists the Navy is now on a “positive trajectory,” but it will have to rebuild confidence under congressional scrutiny as it prepares a new strategic plan.
Liz Cheney: Republicans have a ‘red line’ on Biden’s defense budget
How will Democrats and Republicans come together on defense?
By Joe Gould
Sea power backers propose $25 billion to fix US shipyards
The introduction of the 11-page Shipyard Act comes after President Joe Biden proposed a $2.25 trillion infrastructure package and Republicans made a $568 billion counteroffer.
By Joe Gould