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<ul class="summary-list"><li>The US Air Force majorly overpaid for C-17 spare parts, including bathroom soap dispensers, per a Pentagon watchdog.</li><li>The dispensers were 80 times more expensive than the commercially available alternative.</li></ul><p>The US Air Force overpaid for spare parts for a <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/see-inside-340-million-boeing-c17-globemaster-iii-military-jet-2022-1">C-17 military transport aircraft</a> manufactured by <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/boeing-19-billion-share-offering-boost-financials-liquidity-2024-10">Boeing</a>, according to a new watchdog report. In one example, an audit found, the service paid more than 80 times the regular commercial value for bathroom soap dispensers.</p><p>The audit, which detailed cost issues with a variety of C-17 spare parts, blamed the overpayment on a lack of oversight by the Air Force.</p><p>On Monday, the Department of Defense Office of Inspector General released information related to an audit on whether the Air Force purchased C-17 <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/ongoing-f35-fighter-jet-problems-affect-whole-us-military-fleet-2023-1">spare parts</a> "at fair and reasonable prices." The audit was initiated in response to a DoD Hotline allegation.</p><p>The audit found that the Air Force "overpaid nearly $1 million for a dozen different types of spare parts" on contracts, the office said, including bathroom soap dispensers "where the Air Force paid more than 80 times the commercially available cost of a 7,943-% markup."</p><div type="image" title="A US Air Force Airman guides a M142 High Mobility Artillery Rocket System (HIMARS) truck as it drives out of a C-17 Globemaster III plane and onto tarmac." height="1940" width="3448" msid="114745677" hostid="261" sizebytes="525780"></div><p>Across the board, the office said the service failed to consistently <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/us-defense-military-budget-compared-federal-education-spending-2023-4">pay reasonable prices</a> for about 26% of spare parts reviewed, valued at $4.3 million.</p><p>But the OIG was unable to effectively review over half of the total spare parts — estimated at more than $22 million in value — "because the Air Force did not maintain historical cost data, and the Defense Contract Management Agency Item Group was unable to obtain supplier quotes or identify commercially similar parts," the office said.</p><p>The OIG attributed the overpayment problem to the Air Force's failure to sufficiently validate accurate data for contract negotiation, identify price increases while executing contracts, and review invoices to determine <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/us-air-force-spent-1280-on-coffee-cup-2018-10">fair and reasonable before paying</a>.</p><p><span>"We are reviewing the report, which appears to be based on an inapt comparison of the prices paid for parts that meet military specifications and designs versus basic commercial items that would not be qualified or approved for use on the C-17," Boeing spokeswoman Deborah VanNierop told Bloomberg, which first reported the overpayments identified by the OIG. </span></p><p><span>"We will continue to work with the OIG and the US Air Force to provide a detailed written response to the report in the coming days," she said.</span></p><div type="image" title="A THAAD launcher next to an aircraft." height="5504" width="8256" msid="114745678" hostid="261" sizebytes="783294"></div><p>Per Inspector General Robert P. Storch, the Air Force's issues could have an impact on C-17 readiness.</p><p>"The Air Force needs to establish and implement more effective internal controls to help prevent overpaying for spare parts for the remainder of this contract, which continues through 2031," he said, adding that "significant overpayments for spare parts may reduce the number of spare parts that Boeing can purchase on the contract, potentially reducing C-17 readiness worldwide."</p><p>The <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/us-army-sudden-show-force-to-russia-china-in-alaska-2024-9">C-17 Globemaster III</a> is a large versatile aircraft designed to <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/see-inside-340-million-boeing-c17-globemaster-iii-military-jet-2022-1">transport troops and equipment across a variety of distances</a>. It's the Air Force's primary strategic lift aircraft. It has also become a <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/inside-c-17-globemaster-airforce-cargo-aircraft-evacuation-2021-9">central aircraft in evacuation and humanitarian efforts</a>, among other missions.</p>

US Air Force wildly overpaid Boeing by almost 8,000% for C-17 aircraft bathroom soap dispensers, Pentagon watchdog finds

For a country struggling to fight brutal poverty, internal conflicts, political instability, and bureaucratic inefficiency, the 1990s was a breath of fresh air. The economy was liberalised, the IT industry started booming, a telecom revolution was underway, a successful nuclear test was conducted, and the emergence of strong regional parties gave voice to the politically weak sections. But on May 3, 1999, as Pakistani intrusion was reported at the Kargil borders, India was on the cusp of losing a decade-long progress to an unprovoked war.<br /><br />Over the next three months, the Indian <keyword id="19903970" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="armed-forces" source="keywords">armed forces</keyword> fought with all might not just to defend the borders, but to show to the world that its preference for peace is not a sign of weakness. <keyword id="21429298" type="General" weightage="100" keywordseo="Kargil-Vijay-Diwas" source="keywords">Kargil Vijay Diwas</keyword>, commemorated annually on July 26th, stands as a testament to India's indomitable spirit and the unwavering courage of its armed forces. This day marks the culmination of the <keyword id="20143432" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Kargil-War" source="keywords">Kargil War</keyword>, a conflict that tested the nation's mettle and forged a legacy of heroism.<br /><br />Addressing the 25th celebrations of the Kargil War victory, <keyword id="6354814" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="prime-minister-narendra-modi" source="Orion">Prime Minister Narendra Modi</keyword> said that the Kargil War win is neither the victory of any government in power nor of any political group, it is the heritage and the victory of 140 crore people of India.<br /><h2>The genesis</h2>Despite signing the Lahore Declaration in February 1999 for a peaceful resolution of the Kashmir issue, a covert infiltration by Pakistani troops into the Kargil sector of Jammu and Kashmir in May 1999 triggered a crisis. Disguised as militants, they occupied strategic positions along the Line of Control (LoC), aiming to disrupt the Kashmir-Ladakh link. The <keyword id="19908736" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="Indian-Army" source="keywords" meta.keywordsubtype="org" meta.entityname="Indian Army" meta.hostid="261" meta.entityid="Indian Army">Indian Army</keyword>, upon discovering the intrusion from local shepherds, launched Operation Vijay, a counter-offensive to reclaim the occupied heights.<br /><h2>Battling against nature and the enemy</h2>The Kargil War was a gruelling ordeal, fought in the unforgiving Himalayan terrain. Soldiers battled not only the enemy but also the harsh, high-altitude conditions. The covert movement of the Pak army helped them position themselves at strategically advantageous, high-altitude positions. As temperatures plummeted and oxygen levels dwindled, the rugged mountains posed immense logistical challenges to the ground forces. Yet, the Indian Army, driven by patriotism and a relentless determination to protect the nation's sovereignty, pressed on.<br /><h2>Heroes of the Kargil War</h2>The Kargil War produced a pantheon of heroes whose bravery continues to inspire generations. Captain <keyword id="20211435" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="vikram-batra" source="keywords">Vikram Batra</keyword>, with his iconic battle cry "Yeh Dil Mange More," led his troops to capture Point 4875, a pivotal victory. Lieutenant Manoj Kumar Pandey, displaying exceptional courage, made the supreme sacrifice while defending his post. These brave soldiers, among many others, epitomized the indomitable spirit of the Indian Army.<br /><br />The Kargil War galvanized the nation. People from all walks of life came together to support the armed forces. The collective outpouring of patriotism and solidarity fueled the soldiers' resolve. Nearly 500 Indian soldiers lost their lives battling the enemy in unforgiving Himalayan terrains. The war also highlighted the sacrifices made by the families of the martyrs, whose courage and resilience were equally inspiring.<br /><h2>A legacy of valour</h2>Kargil <keyword id="21992554" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="vijay-diwas" source="keywords">Vijay Diwas</keyword> is more than just a commemoration; it is a reaffirmation of India's commitment to peace and security. The sacrifices made by the brave soldiers who fought in the Kargil War will forever be etched in the nation's memory. Their unwavering courage and determination continue to inspire future generations to serve the country with dedication and honour.<br /><br />As India celebrates the 25th anniversary of Kargil Vijay Diwas today, it is essential to remember the heroes who laid down their lives for the nation. Their supreme sacrifice will never be forgotten by a country on its path to glory on a global stage.<br /><h2>A continued tragedy</h2>The Kargil War left behind a deadly legacy along with long-term trauma among the local residents and the defence personnel who fought valiantly. As per a TOI report, unexploded bombs scattered across the region continue to pose a significant threat to the local population. In 2023 — 24 years after the tragic war — a total of around 336 such unexploded bombs were reportedly neutralised by the Army.<br /><br />Residents live in constant fear of accidental detonations, especially during construction or excavation work. These incidents have resulted in multiple casualties in the past several years, including the tragic death of a young child. Despite the passage of 25 years, the Army remains actively engaged in defusing these dangerous remnants of war. Even this year, as many as 103 such bombs were defused by the Army.<br /><br /><div type="Article" hostid="261" msid="112016324" title="Ex-army officer runs 160 km, 40 km per day, to mark Kargil Vijay Diwas anniversary" mstype="2" mssubtype="0"><payload><![CDATA[seealso]]></payload></div><br /><div type="Article" hostid="261" msid="112031216" title="Families of soldiers pays tribute to soldiers who lost lives in 1999 Kargil War" mstype="2" mssubtype="0"><payload><![CDATA[seealso]]></payload></div><br />

Kargil Vijay Diwas: A tale of valour and sacrifice

<ul class="summary-list"><li>Gen. Chance Saltzman, head of the US military's space operations, warned of China's threat in orbit.</li><li>He said he was more worried about China than the risk of Russian nuclear weapons in space.</li></ul><p>China is developing military space gear at a "mind-boggling" pace, according to the US Space Force chief.</p><p>"The number of different categories of space weapons that [China has] created and . . . the speed with which they're doing it is very threatening," said Gen. Chance Saltzman, per the <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.ft.com/content/509b39e0-b40c-41b3-9c6a-9005859c6fea">Financial Times.</a></p><p>In an <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.politico.eu/article/china-mind-boggling-space-capabilities-worry-us-says-space-force-chief-b-chance-saltzman-russia-nasa/">interview with Politico</a>, Saltzman added that China's progress in military space technology posed a bigger challenge than possible Russian nuclear weapons in orbit.</p><p>He said he is also worried that China <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/china-building-satellite-network-target-us-troops-intel-chief-gagnon-2024-5">has developed a network of hundreds of military satellites that could be used as a targeting system for military missions on Earth.</a></p><p>It's one of a series of warnings from top US military officials in recent months about the growing threat in space posed by China.</p><h2 id="0f474078-d3ca-4ee9-9170-2398d1a8bf55">Space warfare is a growing risk</h2><p>Space dominance has been an important issue for Chinese premier Xi Jinping, who has frequently expressed his desire for China to be a <a target="_blank" class="" href="http://www.xinhuanet.com//english/china/2016-12/27/c_135935416.htm#:~:text=To%20build%20China%20into%20a%20space%20power,effectively%20and%20reliably%20guarantee%20national%20security%2C%20to">"space power in all respects."</a></p><p>And it seems China is rapidly catching up to the US. In recent years, China has developed a sophisticated military program in space, where for decades, the US has been the dominant force.</p><p>In April, <a target="_blank" href="https://www.businessinsider.com/nasa-chief-says-secretive-china-hides-military-space-projects-2024-4">NASA chief Bill Nelson</a> warned that China was passing off military endeavors in space as civilian projects.</p><p>China has repeatedly denied that it intends to establish any military presence in outer space. "Space war can not be won and must never be fought," its <a target="_blank" href="http://un.china-mission.gov.cn/eng/chinaandun/disarmament_armscontrol/unga/202105/t20210501_9126875.htm">ambassador to the UN said in 2021.</a></p><p>However, it is believed to be developing a hypersonic glide vehicle and other weapons capable of evading air defense systems and satellite warnings. It has also developed technology capable of targeting US satellites.</p><h2 id="727abea4-0338-45bf-9713-46e5ce3f64ed">'A pivotal moment in history'</h2><p>"We are at a pivotal moment in history," Troy Meink, principal deputy director of the National Reconnaissance Office, which builds and operates the US fleet of spy satellites, said at an April conference in Colorado, <a target="_blank" rel=" nofollow" href="https://www.space.com/china-space-progress-breathtaking-speed-space-force"><u>as quoted by </u></a><a target="_blank" href="http://Space.com"><u>Space.com</u></a><a target="_blank" rel=" nofollow" href="https://www.space.com/china-space-progress-breathtaking-speed-space-force"><u>.</u></a></p><p>"For the first time in decades, US leadership in space and space technology is being challenged," Meink added. "Our competitors are actively seeking ways to threaten our capabilities, and we see this every day."</p><p>According to the <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.asiapacific.ca/publication/china-global-powers-celestial-ambitions#:~:text=The%20steep%20increase%20in%20its,Earth%20remains%20to%20be%20seen">Asia Pacific Foundation of Canada</a>, China's expenditure on space endeavors increased from $2.15 billion in 2022 to $14 billion in 2023.</p><p>Meanwhile, the US Space Force has <a target="_blank" class="" href="https://www.saffm.hq.af.mil/FM-Resources/Budget/">requested a budget</a> of $29.4 billion for the 2025 financial year.</p><p>As the FT notes, the US space defense capabilities are heavily reliant on private companies, such as SpaceX. Last week, SpaceX secured new contracts worth $733.5 million for national security space missions.</p><p>"The truth is, whoever controls the space domain will dominate the future global economy," wrote analyst Arthur Herman for the conservative-leaning Hudson Institute in February.</p><p>"If America was the preeminent space power from Presidents John F. Kennedy to Ronald Reagan, we've let our edge slip away, while China and Russia aim to displace us all together."</p>

China is sending military gear into orbit at a 'mind-boggling' pace, says US Space Force chief

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US Air Force wildly overpaid Boeing by almost 8,000% for C-17 aircraft bathroom soap dispensers, Pentagon watchdog finds

Chris Panella

Kargil Vijay Diwas: A tale of valour and sacrifice

Deekshith Pinto

China is sending military gear into orbit at a 'mind-boggling' pace, says US Space Force chief

Hannah Abraham

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