Policy
Navy’s plans for three new submarines could be held up by budget drama
Secretary Del Toro has also directed an initiative to find efficiencies within new budget caps.
Science & Tech
B-21 starts engine tests as bomber preps for first flight
Software is ready to go, program officials say, engendering some 'smack talk' with hardware teams.
Defense Systems
B-21: Peep new photos of the Air Force's secretive stealth bomber
Three new images of the bat-winged aircraft are released.
Threats
China, Russia taking ‘batting practice’ in air intercepts of aging US aircraft, general says
Aggressive maneuvers underscore diminishing U.S. advantage, Air Combat Command leader said.
Policy
Europe’s defense spending sluggish despite Ukraine war
Slow growth isn’t compensating for post-Cold War divestments, analysts say.
Defense Systems
Space Force needs more cyber operators for weapons, chief says
Protecting them is a primary concern for Space Operations Command, says its vice commander.
Policy
Some Ukrainian pilots could finish training in as few as three months
Air National Guard director said shorter timeline is “absolutely realistic” for experienced pilots.
Business
Conference Wire: Air, Space & Cyber 2023, Day 2
Speeches by the chiefs of the Air Force and Space Forces were highlights at the giant gathering outside Washington, D.C.
Policy
Senators trade barbs about promotion holds during hearing for Air Force chief nominee
Gen. David Allvin, tapped to replace Gen. CQ Brown as leader of the Air Force, is one of hundreds of officers in limbo.
Threats
China’s new satellites extend its military reach, US says
Rapid buildup “allows them to see much further with greater precision at day and at night and through all weather,” Space Force intel chief says.
Threats
Air Force clearing out jungles in Pacific to bolster airfield options
But additional funding for these efforts may be held up by budget impasse on Capitol Hill, Pacific Air Forces commander says.
Science & Tech
US must harness generative AI in competition against China, think tank warns
The Pentagon recently launched a task force to explore how to incorporate generative AI, but a new report notes it could be useful across a wide range of government activities.
Defense Systems
Budget delays could ‘slow roll’ Air Force’s digital infrastructure plans
In early 2024, the service plans to launch cloud-based command and control technologies in three undisclosed locations.
Policy
USAF aims to ‘re-optimize’ for great power competition
Kendall dispatches teams to seek better ways to organize to take on China.
Business
Conference Wire: Air, Space & Cyber 2023, Day 1
The Air Force secretary on confronting China and getting nominees through Congress.
Business
Military hopes commercial airlines adopt new hybrid plane design
The head of U.S. Transportation Command says blended wing body designs could provide more efficient, especially if they can fly from existing airports.
Threats