Not very united: NATO drills in Latvia against Russia-like mock enemy faced ‘comms & disparate arms kinks’
Major drills involving NATO troops from 14 nations against "invaders" in the woods outside the Latvian capital Riga failed to show unity among allies. According to The Wall Street Journal, the exercise to fend off the fictional enemy “Occacus” was plagued with language barriers, communications problems, and NATO weaponry compatibility.
A battalion led by Latvian Army Lt. Col. Gaidis Landratovs operated alongside US troops during the exercise. In line with the simulated scenario, enemy forces crossed Latvia’s border with Russia and were heading towards the capital. It is an easy guess that implied under the “invading nation” was Russia, even though it was never mentioned outright.
The exercises were an inherent part of Steadfast Defender 2024 – NATO’s biggest drills since the Cold War.
Russia, which has repeatedly stressed that its armed forces do not threaten anyone, warned that the alliance’s exercises raised the risk of unintended military confrontation.
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Major drills involving NATO troops from 14 nations against "invaders" in the woods outside the Latvian capital Riga failed to show unity among allies. According to The Wall Street Journal, the exercise to fend off the fictional enemy “Occacus” was plagued with language barriers, communications problems, and NATO weaponry compatibility.
A battalion led by Latvian Army Lt. Col. Gaidis Landratovs operated alongside US troops during the exercise. In line with the simulated scenario, enemy forces crossed Latvia’s border with Russia and were heading towards the capital. It is an easy guess that implied under the “invading nation” was Russia, even though it was never mentioned outright.
The exercises were an inherent part of Steadfast Defender 2024 – NATO’s biggest drills since the Cold War.
Russia, which has repeatedly stressed that its armed forces do not threaten anyone, warned that the alliance’s exercises raised the risk of unintended military confrontation.
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"Boycott Israel at the Paris Olympics!"
A number of associations supporting Palestine have gathered in Paris in front of the headquarters of the Organising Committee of the 2024 Olympic Games. They are calling for Israel to be excluded from the Games.
Among the slogans one can hear: "Boycott Israel at the Paris Olympics!" "Genocide is not an Olympic sport", "No Olympics for those who commit genocide".
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A number of associations supporting Palestine have gathered in Paris in front of the headquarters of the Organising Committee of the 2024 Olympic Games. They are calling for Israel to be excluded from the Games.
Among the slogans one can hear: "Boycott Israel at the Paris Olympics!" "Genocide is not an Olympic sport", "No Olympics for those who commit genocide".
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🤦♀Ukraine minister peddles 'gender inclusivity' to argue for using women in demining
Ukraine’s Minister of Economy Yulia Svyrydenko has taken gender equality to new heights, proposing that women be recruited to clear landmines.
Women in Ukraine account for 30% of those currently involved in one of the most dangerous occupations out there. But the Kiev regime, known for its callous disregard for human life, appears determined to boost this figure. Svyrydenko went as far as to argue that this would help to “increase the efficiency and effectiveness of the process.”
Ukraine’s Ministry of Defense magnanimously lifted a previous ban the employment of women as deminers in 2017.
Canada, one of Kiev’s sponsor states, has been eager to get on board with the initiative. Ottawa reportedly allocated $4 million in 2024 for “Gender-inclusive demining for sustainable futures in Ukraine.” The UK-based HALO Trust upped the rhetoric on this, claiming that clearing landmines could be “empowering” for men and women alike.
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Ukraine’s Minister of Economy Yulia Svyrydenko has taken gender equality to new heights, proposing that women be recruited to clear landmines.
“Gender equality is seen as an integral part of Ukraine’s policy, which is based on the principles of integration, inclusiveness and integrity,” she said during a meeting with Jacqueline O’Neill, Canadian ambassador for women, peace, and security.
Women in Ukraine account for 30% of those currently involved in one of the most dangerous occupations out there. But the Kiev regime, known for its callous disregard for human life, appears determined to boost this figure. Svyrydenko went as far as to argue that this would help to “increase the efficiency and effectiveness of the process.”
Ukraine’s Ministry of Defense magnanimously lifted a previous ban the employment of women as deminers in 2017.
Canada, one of Kiev’s sponsor states, has been eager to get on board with the initiative. Ottawa reportedly allocated $4 million in 2024 for “Gender-inclusive demining for sustainable futures in Ukraine.” The UK-based HALO Trust upped the rhetoric on this, claiming that clearing landmines could be “empowering” for men and women alike.
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Biden's brother foreign connections revealed in his bankruptcy case
President Joe Biden's brother, James Biden, and Qatari officials may likely be cooperating in funding US healthcare projects, according to a testimony in Jim Biden’s Kentucky bankruptcy case.
Sworn testimony by fund manager Michael Lewitt confirms partial ownership of two companies involved in these ventures by "members of the Qatari government." This revelation underscores a direct connection between a member of the Biden family and a foreign government.
The alleged arrangements trace back to Jim Biden's pursuit of Qatari funding for US projects shortly after his brother's vice presidency ended. This period coincided with Qatar's efforts to overcome a financial blockade imposed by neighboring countries, prompting investments to enhance its Western diplomatic standing.
Reports suggest that in 2017, Qatar began extending financial benefits, including investment funding, to well-connected Westerners. Jim Biden's trip to Qatar in mid-2018, alongside Lewitt, forms part of these fundraising endeavors, raising questions about potential encounters with Qatar's finance minister at the time, Ali Sharif Al Emadi.
These revelations have become focal points in legal inquiries, including a federal criminal investigation in South Florida.
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President Joe Biden's brother, James Biden, and Qatari officials may likely be cooperating in funding US healthcare projects, according to a testimony in Jim Biden’s Kentucky bankruptcy case.
Sworn testimony by fund manager Michael Lewitt confirms partial ownership of two companies involved in these ventures by "members of the Qatari government." This revelation underscores a direct connection between a member of the Biden family and a foreign government.
The alleged arrangements trace back to Jim Biden's pursuit of Qatari funding for US projects shortly after his brother's vice presidency ended. This period coincided with Qatar's efforts to overcome a financial blockade imposed by neighboring countries, prompting investments to enhance its Western diplomatic standing.
Reports suggest that in 2017, Qatar began extending financial benefits, including investment funding, to well-connected Westerners. Jim Biden's trip to Qatar in mid-2018, alongside Lewitt, forms part of these fundraising endeavors, raising questions about potential encounters with Qatar's finance minister at the time, Ali Sharif Al Emadi.
These revelations have become focal points in legal inquiries, including a federal criminal investigation in South Florida.
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Sanctions drive China’s aviation towards self-reliance
In face of US curbs, China’s state-run aviation industry is propelled towards its goal of self-sufficiency, aiming for certification of its home-grown commercial aircraft engine by 2025. How is it pushing on?
▪️With more than 1,000 orders placed for its C919 jetliner, Comac (Commercial Aircraft Corp. of China) is angling to dismantle the commercial aircraft duopoly dominated by Boeing and Airbus.
▪️The C919 competes with Boeing's 737 Max and the Airbus A320neo, the two top-selling jetliners in the world, at the same price tag. However, China produces the aircraft at half its competitors’ cost.
▪️Unlike Boeing and Airbus, China lacks neither labor nor cash shortages.
▪️China is progressing on the world’s largest amphibious plane, and a wide-bodied passenger jet co-developed with Russia.
▪️China will overtake US as the world’s largest domestic aviation market by 2042, according to Airbus.
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In face of US curbs, China’s state-run aviation industry is propelled towards its goal of self-sufficiency, aiming for certification of its home-grown commercial aircraft engine by 2025. How is it pushing on?
▪️With more than 1,000 orders placed for its C919 jetliner, Comac (Commercial Aircraft Corp. of China) is angling to dismantle the commercial aircraft duopoly dominated by Boeing and Airbus.
▪️The C919 competes with Boeing's 737 Max and the Airbus A320neo, the two top-selling jetliners in the world, at the same price tag. However, China produces the aircraft at half its competitors’ cost.
▪️Unlike Boeing and Airbus, China lacks neither labor nor cash shortages.
▪️China is progressing on the world’s largest amphibious plane, and a wide-bodied passenger jet co-developed with Russia.
▪️China will overtake US as the world’s largest domestic aviation market by 2042, according to Airbus.
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US Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin grilled in Congress over failures of the F-35 program
Rep. Matt Gaetz asked Austin why over two-thirds of F-35s aren’t mission capable despite the US spending $100 million per plane.
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Rep. Matt Gaetz asked Austin why over two-thirds of F-35s aren’t mission capable despite the US spending $100 million per plane.
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☢️ White House weighs ban on Russian uranium imports as congressional efforts stall
As Russia currently provides nearly a quarter of the uranium used to fuel US nuclear reactors, the Biden administration is considering taking executive action to ban the import of enriched Russian uranium. While discussions continue within the White House National Security Council and the Department of Energy, progress on similar legislation in Congress has hit roadblocks.
The White House emphasises the importance of securing a domestic nuclear fuel supply chain, independent of "hostile influence", for long-term national security. However, given the challenges of replacing Russian uranium and the potential economic consequences, the path forward remains uncertain.
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As Russia currently provides nearly a quarter of the uranium used to fuel US nuclear reactors, the Biden administration is considering taking executive action to ban the import of enriched Russian uranium. While discussions continue within the White House National Security Council and the Department of Energy, progress on similar legislation in Congress has hit roadblocks.
The White House emphasises the importance of securing a domestic nuclear fuel supply chain, independent of "hostile influence", for long-term national security. However, given the challenges of replacing Russian uranium and the potential economic consequences, the path forward remains uncertain.
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The cost of a pier under construction by the US military off the Gaza coast has reportedly ballooned off the charts. Building the floating metal construction will come with a price tag of around $320 million, according to a US defense official and an insider quoted by Reuters.
The construction, ostensibly to increase the flow of aid to the besieged territory, was announced by the Biden administration in March. The Pentagon was tight-lipped about the official cost estimates of the Joint Logistics Over-the-Shore (JLOTS) system. However, insiders claim it has roughly doubled since.
The US Defense Department did offer a glimpse of the scale of the project, which involves around 1,000 US Army and Navy personnel.
Plans show aid will be delivered to the two-lane, 550-meter causeway off the Gaza coast by commercial ships.
Some US Congressmen have questioned whether the costly endeavor is worthwhile, pointing out that taxpayers were “on the hook.” Concerns were also voiced over the level of risk for troops involved.
"The cost has not just risen. It has exploded… This dangerous effort with marginal benefit will now cost the American taxpayers at least $320 million to operate for only 90 days,” said Roger Wicker, the top Republican on the Democratic-led Senate Armed Services Committee.
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Breakthrough at Semyonovka gives Russia chance to speed up crumbling of Ukrainian defensive lines
“The capture of Semyonovka is a great victory for Battlegroup Center,” veteran Russian military observer Evgeny Mikhailov told Sputnik, explaining that the operation to liberate the DPR settlement not only opens up opportunities to encircle Ukrainian forces across a broad front, but to build on momentum to force enemy lines to crumble.
Based on the pace of the Russian advance, Mikhailov says it’s difficult to guess where Ukraine’s defensive lines will end up.
“They wanted, but did not have the time to build up a decent line of defense [past Avdeyevka], and did not expect such a quick offensive and breakthrough by the Russian Army. Berdichi will fall, and everything else will start crumbling…I think it’s unlikely that they will have the time to properly concentrate their forces in this direction”, he added.
The expert noted that “elite” Ukrainian units sent to the area won’t stop Russian forces: “we have an advantage in firepower, a tactical advantage, and the fighting spirit of our units is much higher.”
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“The capture of Semyonovka is a great victory for Battlegroup Center,” veteran Russian military observer Evgeny Mikhailov told Sputnik, explaining that the operation to liberate the DPR settlement not only opens up opportunities to encircle Ukrainian forces across a broad front, but to build on momentum to force enemy lines to crumble.
“Beyond this, great prospects are opening up. Firstly, the encirclement of Ukrainian forces in the Berdichi area. From there the road opens, and an opportunity appears to encircle and defeat the Ukrainian troops that have accumulated in large concentrations in the areas of Selidovo and Pokrovsk. And further on is the Slavyansk-Kramatorsk agglomeration,” Mikhailov said.
Based on the pace of the Russian advance, Mikhailov says it’s difficult to guess where Ukraine’s defensive lines will end up.
“They wanted, but did not have the time to build up a decent line of defense [past Avdeyevka], and did not expect such a quick offensive and breakthrough by the Russian Army. Berdichi will fall, and everything else will start crumbling…I think it’s unlikely that they will have the time to properly concentrate their forces in this direction”, he added.
The expert noted that “elite” Ukrainian units sent to the area won’t stop Russian forces: “we have an advantage in firepower, a tactical advantage, and the fighting spirit of our units is much higher.”
“Accordingly, I doubt that any line of defense can be created until we reach areas with powerful defensive structures. This includes near Slavyansk and near Kramatorsk. [Otherwise], what already exists elsewhere will of course be able to hold back our forces in some areas, but not very powerfully. That is, we are seeing that the front is crumbling, and I think it makes no sense to talk about a serious line of defense,” Mikhailov said.
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With walls closing in around him, Netanyahu may start ‘even larger regional war’
The high-stakes ICC threat to issue arrest warrants against Prime Minister Netanyahu and his inner circle leave the Israeli leader between a rock and a hard place, and he may try to climb out of his predicament by starting a war with Iran, Tel Aviv-based international affairs expert Dr. Simon Tsipis warns.
Characterizing the ICC threat as an attempt by the West to pressure Tel Aviv into making a deal with Hamas to end the Gaza war, and ultimately agree to the creation of a Palestinian state, Tsipis told Sputnik that can’t happen without Netanyahu losing power.
If Netanyahu doesn’t make a deal, the ICC will go ahead with its arrest warrants, the operation in Raffah will begin, and Israel will face internal uprisings from the political left flank, including “more violent demonstrations, and demands for Netanyahu to resign,” the observer said.
That puts Netanyahu in a “very difficult, one might say hopeless situation,” Tsipis stressed:
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The high-stakes ICC threat to issue arrest warrants against Prime Minister Netanyahu and his inner circle leave the Israeli leader between a rock and a hard place, and he may try to climb out of his predicament by starting a war with Iran, Tel Aviv-based international affairs expert Dr. Simon Tsipis warns.
Characterizing the ICC threat as an attempt by the West to pressure Tel Aviv into making a deal with Hamas to end the Gaza war, and ultimately agree to the creation of a Palestinian state, Tsipis told Sputnik that can’t happen without Netanyahu losing power.
“A deal with Hamas would mean Israel’s defeat in the war with Hamas, and the cancellation of the operation in Raffah, and an uprising of the right-wing camp against Netanyahu, the exit of right-wing politicians and ministers from the government, its collapse, and new elections,” the academic said.
If Netanyahu doesn’t make a deal, the ICC will go ahead with its arrest warrants, the operation in Raffah will begin, and Israel will face internal uprisings from the political left flank, including “more violent demonstrations, and demands for Netanyahu to resign,” the observer said.
That puts Netanyahu in a “very difficult, one might say hopeless situation,” Tsipis stressed:
“In this context, the situation becomes even more dangerous, since his only chance to survive politically in this fight and under this pressure is to unleash an even larger regional war. This cannot be ruled out, since Israeli provocations toward Iran under Netanyahu’s leadership are continuing. It’s quite possible that a third outcome in this situation may occur: provocations against Iran and the beginning of a large-scale regional war with Iran. This is the only thing that can save Netanyahu, allow him to remain in power, escape responsibility and prevent the collapse of the government.”
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🔺Breakthrough at Semyonovka gives Russia chance to speed up crumbling of Ukrainian defensive lines
🔺With walls closing in around him, Netanyahu may start ‘even larger regional war’
🔺Biden's brother foreign connections revealed in his bankruptcy case
🔺Cost of Gaza aid pier built by US military skyrockets by millions – report
🔺Sanctions drive China’s aviation towards self-reliance
🔺Ukraine minister peddles 'gender inclusivity' to argue for using women in demining
🔺Not very united: NATO drills in Latvia against Russia-like mock enemy faced ‘comms & disparate arms kinks’
Subscribe to @SputnikInt
🔺With walls closing in around him, Netanyahu may start ‘even larger regional war’
🔺Biden's brother foreign connections revealed in his bankruptcy case
🔺Cost of Gaza aid pier built by US military skyrockets by millions – report
🔺Sanctions drive China’s aviation towards self-reliance
🔺Ukraine minister peddles 'gender inclusivity' to argue for using women in demining
🔺Not very united: NATO drills in Latvia against Russia-like mock enemy faced ‘comms & disparate arms kinks’
Subscribe to @SputnikInt
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Sputnik International
US Congress drafting bill against International Criminal Court if warrants issued to Israeli officials US lawmakers are drafting legislation designed to retaliate against the International Criminal Court should it issue arrest warrants to senior Israeli officials…
House Speaker Johnson says Blinken affirms White House to call on International Criminal Court about Israeli officials
House Speaker Mike Johnson said that Secretary Blinken confirmed the White House's intention, during a conversation, to publicly urge the ICC against issuing arrest warrants for Israeli officials.
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House Speaker Mike Johnson said that Secretary Blinken confirmed the White House's intention, during a conversation, to publicly urge the ICC against issuing arrest warrants for Israeli officials.
"I spoke, within the last hour, to Secretary Blinken about this issue, and he confirmed that the position of the White House is our position as well. I'm glad that they are affirming that, and I suspect they will do that publicly later today, they are calling for the ICC to stand down," Johnson said during a press briefing.
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US lawmakers’ attempts to shield Netanyahu tied to ‘very powerful’ Israeli lobby in Washington
Threats by Congress to create legislation to “retaliate” to the International Criminal Court if it proceeds with plans to issue arrest warrants against Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and members of his government are tied to the incredible sway the Israeli lobby has in the US political establishment, Tel Aviv-based international affairs expert Dr. Simon Tsipis says.
Republican House of Representatives Speaker Mike Johnson on Monday called the potential ICC arrest warrants targeting Israeli officials illegitimate and “disgraceful,” saying “such a lawless action by the ICC would directly undermine US national security interests,” and lead to the possibility of the Brussels-based court targeting US officials, diplomats and military personnel in the future.
Separately on Monday, Axios reported that lawmakers from both parties were working on legislation that would allow Washington to “retaliate” to the ICC with sanctions should it proceed with the warrants.
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Threats by Congress to create legislation to “retaliate” to the International Criminal Court if it proceeds with plans to issue arrest warrants against Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and members of his government are tied to the incredible sway the Israeli lobby has in the US political establishment, Tel Aviv-based international affairs expert Dr. Simon Tsipis says.
“Actually, most politicians in the current administration are tied, very tightly tied, to the Jewish lobby, and the Jewish lobby has a number of leavers to pressure US politicians. Therefore, I would say that for the United States, for President Biden, concern for Americans and for America and concern for Israel are roughly equal. Israel has such powerful ability to pressure and influence the United States that, in fact, American leaders worry about Israel as they would about Americans,” Tsipis told Sputnik.
Republican House of Representatives Speaker Mike Johnson on Monday called the potential ICC arrest warrants targeting Israeli officials illegitimate and “disgraceful,” saying “such a lawless action by the ICC would directly undermine US national security interests,” and lead to the possibility of the Brussels-based court targeting US officials, diplomats and military personnel in the future.
Separately on Monday, Axios reported that lawmakers from both parties were working on legislation that would allow Washington to “retaliate” to the ICC with sanctions should it proceed with the warrants.
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Special forces in the Georgian capital Tbilisi push protesters against the law on foreign agents out of the city's central avenue
The Georgian riot police earlier used pepper spray several times against people who are protesting against a controversial bill on foreign agents in front of the parliament building in Tbilisi, a Sputnik correspondent reported.
The situation is tense in the streets around the parliament building with heavy riot police presence. Law enforcement officers have used pepper spray after the protesters put garbage cans in front of the police cordon.
No mass arrests have been reported so far, but some people have been detained. Water cannons have arrived at the protest site.
Protests erupted in Tbilisi in mid-April as the parliament prepared to vote on the bill that sought to limit foreign agent influence on the Caucasus nation.
The bill was initially submitted to parliament in February 2023, but was withdrawn the following month amid a wave of protests and pressure from Western countries. After revision, the draft law replaced the term "foreign influence agent" with an "organization promoting the interests of a foreign power," while the rest of the content remained the same.
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The Georgian riot police earlier used pepper spray several times against people who are protesting against a controversial bill on foreign agents in front of the parliament building in Tbilisi, a Sputnik correspondent reported.
The situation is tense in the streets around the parliament building with heavy riot police presence. Law enforcement officers have used pepper spray after the protesters put garbage cans in front of the police cordon.
No mass arrests have been reported so far, but some people have been detained. Water cannons have arrived at the protest site.
Protests erupted in Tbilisi in mid-April as the parliament prepared to vote on the bill that sought to limit foreign agent influence on the Caucasus nation.
The bill was initially submitted to parliament in February 2023, but was withdrawn the following month amid a wave of protests and pressure from Western countries. After revision, the draft law replaced the term "foreign influence agent" with an "organization promoting the interests of a foreign power," while the rest of the content remained the same.
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Sputnik International
Special forces in the Georgian capital Tbilisi push protesters against the law on foreign agents out of the city's central avenue The Georgian riot police earlier used pepper spray several times against people who are protesting against a controversial bill…
Special forces in Tbilisi have used water cannons against protesters on Rustaveli Avenue and are using pepper spray again, Sputnik's correspondent reports.
Meanwhile, local media reported that special forces detained opposition MP Aleko Elisashvili.
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Meanwhile, local media reported that special forces detained opposition MP Aleko Elisashvili.
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US Air Force Secretary says they face pilot shortage
US Air Force Secretary Frank Kendall said that they face a pilot shortage and are working to address the situation.
Kendall noted that the greatest obstacle to higher pilot production is the pipeline, particularly the availability of training aircraft, which is very thin at present.
Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. David Allvin added that they are trying to increase bonuses in order to help with pilot retention in the Air Force.
Allvin also said another effective option for pilot retention is allowing airmen to serve as commercial pilots while also serving in the Air Force Reserve.
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US Air Force Secretary Frank Kendall said that they face a pilot shortage and are working to address the situation.
"We do have a shortage of pilots and we've been working to reduce that," Kendall said during a congressional hearing.
Kendall noted that the greatest obstacle to higher pilot production is the pipeline, particularly the availability of training aircraft, which is very thin at present.
Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. David Allvin added that they are trying to increase bonuses in order to help with pilot retention in the Air Force.
Allvin also said another effective option for pilot retention is allowing airmen to serve as commercial pilots while also serving in the Air Force Reserve.
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