Classified weapon test findings from the Pentagon's yearly report revealed, revealing obstacles in key defense initiatives
The Director, Operational Test and Evaluation (DOT&E) has released its latest annual report, providing insight into the challenges facing some of America's most important weapon systems.
The report highlights the ongoing testing for the Zumwalt destroyers, with Surface Warfare (SUW) operational testing complete but additional testing required for all other primary and secondary mission areas. Due to competing operational commitments and system readiness, the initial operational testing for the Zumwalt destroyers will continue through at least FY24.
The Gerald R. Ford aircraft carrier, with its new technologies, faces a significant obstacle in passing through initial operational test and evaluation, according to DOT&E. Initial operational test and evaluation for the Gerald R. Ford began in September 2022 and is scheduled to last through the fourth quarter of fiscal 2024.
The DOT&E report also looks at 17 Air Force programs, including the F-15EX Eagle II, the F-22A Raptor, the KC-46A Pegasus tanker, the MH-139A Grey Wolf helicopter, and the AGM-183A Air-Launched Rapid Response Weapon (ARRW) hypersonic cruise missile.
The MH-139A Grey Wolf helicopter is facing potential delay to its Milestone C decision to allow production to begin, and the report warns that the program needs to address several additional challenges to mitigate the risk to meeting operational effectiveness, suitability, and survivability requirements.
The ARRW program has attracted DOT&E ire for beginning testing of the system without approved testing plans and has concerns about the missile's ability to survive cyber attack. The DOT&E report concludes that "The ARRW program has not yet demonstrated the required warfighting capability."
The Future Long-Range Assault Aircraft (FLRAA) initiative received praise from DOT&E, but the Individual Visual Augmentation System (IVAS) was blasted for issues in simulated combat missions. Soldiers using current equipment consistently outperformed those wearing IVAS, finding the goggles disorienting.
The KC-46A Pegasus, built by Boeing, is facing a litany of woes, from issues with the refueling boom's remote cameras to a series of Category One deficiencies with the cargo operations capabilities.
The Conventional Prompt Strike program, a service's premiere hypersonic weapon program, has achieved several "Joint Flight Campaign" tests in FY22 but is too early in its development for DOT&E to provide meaningful assessments about its effectiveness.
The DOT&E report also recommends the DoD CIO, DISA, and the Digital Modernization Infrastructure Executive Committee to develop overarching test and evaluation strategies for several initiatives under the Pentagon's Digital Modernization Strategy (DMS).
Notably, the report no longer issues a second "controlled unclassified information" (CUI) version available only to lawmakers and those inside the Pentagon. This decision follows the Director of Operational Test and Evaluation, Nickolas Guertin, consulting with Congress to release one public version of the report.
The 2023 DOT&E report also provides new information on major weapons systems, including delays with Space Force GPS plans and questions about the utility of hypersonic programs.
In conclusion, the DOT&E annual report offers a comprehensive look at the challenges facing America's weapon systems. As these systems continue to evolve and develop, it is crucial that they undergo rigorous testing to ensure they meet operational requirements and provide the necessary capabilities for our armed forces.
Read also:
- Transforming Digital Inventories in the Food Industry: A Comprehensive Guide for Food Businesses
- Munich Airport Unveils Its New Electrical Vehicle Charging Parksite
- 1. Key Points for August 14: Gathering in Alaska, Immigration Enforcement (ICE), Financial service Zelle, Infowars, and Air Canada Airline Incidents
- Automobile manufacturer IM Motors reveals an extended-range powertrain akin to installing an internal combustion engine in a Tesla Model Y.
