Author Archive
Threats
Expect Air Force’s new requirements command to launch this year, chief says
Gen. Allvin says Integrated Capabilities Command will draw 500 to 800 people, many from major commands’ requirements offices.
Threats
Chinese satellites are breaking the US 'monopoly' on long-range targeting
China “has rapidly advanced in space in a way that few people can appreciate,” Space Force official says.
Threats
Russian space nuke could render low-Earth orbit unusable for a year, US official says
Pentagon’s space-policy leader noted with concern Moscow’s recent veto of a UN resolution against putting nuclear weapons in space.
Policy
Everyone’s V-22s are flying again—and may do so past 2060
As all services emerge from March’s grounding, the program’s manager lays out long-term plans.
Policy
Air Force declares major cost breach for new helicopter program
The service wants to halve its buy of the helicopter, which is driving up per-unit costs.
Business
Pentagon canceled Northrop’s classified satellite program due to ‘budgetary concerns’
Its CEO also said the company won’t compete to build cheap, non-survivable drones.
Business
Anduril, General Atomics win more USAF money to develop robot wingmen
But the giants they beat out are welcome to pitch self-developed drones for production contracts.
Business
RTX moves away from competing as a prime for space contracts
COO: “We've got some other strengths in some of the key components that go in the prime satellites and buses.”
Threats
China’s new stealth bomber ‘nowhere near as good’ as US’s, intel official says
U.S. could win a war with China today, but would suffer heavy losses, the official told reporters.
Science & Tech
An AI took on a human pilot in a DARPA-sponsored dogfight
Last September's tests are informing the Air Force’s effort to build autonomous drones.
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Business
ULA has an ambitious plan to ‘reuse’ Vulcan rocket: keep it in space
The heavy-lift rocket’s upper stage might extend its service as a tug or defender.
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Policy
Ukraine doesn’t want A-10s, but another country might, Air Force secretary says
Could Poland or Romania be eyeing the USAF’s old Warthogs?
Policy
F-35 deliveries could resume in July, but the new jets won’t be combat-ready for a year or more
Program officials also say they’ll “reimagine” their upgrade plan, with new delays for some capabilities.
Policy
In a budgetary first, Air Force will launch two programs without asking Congress in advance
The service is using a power granted by lawmakers in the 2024 NDAA.
Business
The F-35 program is costing more and doing less, GAO says
Total sustainment costs are now expected to top $1.5 trillion, even as the jet’s mission-readiness declines.
Policy
Do states need a ‘Space Force militia’? Air Force says no
A recent legislative proposal reignited debate over a potential Space National Guard.
Threats
Pentagon can’t force Starlink to block service to Russians, US official says
US is “taking steps” and “working through” the problem with SpaceX and Ukraine, space-policy leader says.
Threats
US-China mil-to-mil thaw reaches space
Beijing has reached out on space safety, says U.S. Space Command leader, who also issued warnings about new PLA capabilities.
Defense Systems
New spy-satellite constellation begins launch next month
Seven operational satellites are planned this year, and more through 2028, a senior NRO leader said.
Threats