Defense Systems
The Space Force issued thousands of smartwatches to replace PT tests
Here’s how it’s going.
Defense Systems
The Air Force wants to expand cloud-based comms, official says
Maj. Gen. Luke Cropsey, the service’s top digital infrastructure buyer, said the plan is to scale use over the next year across tactical and operational systems.
Science & Tech
Defense One Radio, Ep. 163: The 2024 Air, Space & Cyber conference
Audrey Decker explains some of the top developments out of this year's AFA conference outside Washington.
Defense Systems
This ‘cloud in a box’ could save Air Force maintainers years of paperwork
The Air Force has been developing a portable data center that can hold maintenance and sustainment docs for every plane the service has—in a container the size of a window air conditioner.
Business
Protest puts US Army’s $990M loitering-munition contract on hold
The month-old sole-source award went to AeroVironment for its Switchblades.
Policy
Air Force braces for new nuclear-war scenarios
With more nuclear players and weapons around the world, U.S. forces need to be ready, a top service leader says.
Threats
Army embraces Ukraine-style warfare with new all-drone unit
The 101st Airborne’s nine-man team is designed to coordinate fire, reconnoiter ahead of vehicles, and strike with loitering munitions.
Threats
Device detonations reveal ‘incredible’ intelligence abilities: ex-NSA chief
“I think about our own supply chains and what we need to be able to do to ensure their integrity,” Paul Nakasone said.
Science & Tech
AFSOC still wants 75 light attack aircraft despite Congress’ doubts
“The world's changed a little bit,” the top Air Force special operator says.
Business
Army wants to buy as many drones as it does munitions
The Army could theoretically acquire thousands—if not hundreds of thousands—of drones.
Defense Systems
Budget drama could snag Pentagon’s satellite launch award
While source selection will continue, launch mission assignments for 2025 could stall.
Threats
Test B-21 flying up to twice a week, Northrop reports
Meanwhile, the Air Force has released its first-ever footage of the bomber in flight.
Threats
Air Force’s Ospreys will return to forward-deployment within 'weeks'
The tiltrotor aircraft’s flying operations have been restricted since March.
Threats
NATO considering Arctic combined air operations center to deal with Russian threats
“We intercept Russians once or twice per week,” Norway's air chief said.
Ideas
National security deserves better than House Speaker’s 6-month CR plan
Bipartisan leaders should insist on—and meet—a tighter deadline for the fiscal 2025 spending bills.
Threats