Business
Northrop Grumman to fly new, improved CCA offering next year
The company spent 15 months redesigning and building a robot wingman after losing its initial bid for the U.S. Air Force’s collaborative combat aircraft program.
Policy
Air Force leaders axe major China-focused organizational efforts
The service continues to unravel its “reoptimization for Great Power Competition” strategy.
Defense Systems
USAF plan to fly C-5, C-17s even longer elicits concern
Service says it needs to hedge against delays to planned Next-Generation Airlift plane.
Policy
Most of the Air Force’s biggest programs will now be overseen by a 4-star under the deputy SecDef
The centralization of the ICBM, B-21, F-47, and Air Force One programs appears at odds with the Pentagon’s professed acquisition approach, one expert said.
Science & Tech
The pilot of an F-22 just controlled a drone wingman in flight
The General Atomics linkup is a first for the Air Force’s collaborative combat aircraft effort.
Policy
Shutdown deal adds $850M for B-21, Sentinel construction projects
Lawmakers boosted projects in the three-bill funding package that reopened the federal government on Wednesday.
Defense Systems
Air Force wants a $500,000 counter-air missile, despite cheaper options
The service wants ideas by December, and hopes to see a modular, ground-launched prototype in two years.
Business
Funding for E-7 Wedgetail included in bipartisan deal to end 41-day government shutdown
Despite Pentagon and Air Force protests, Congress continues to support the radar jet program.
Threats
Longest shutdown in history creating a readiness hole of unknown proportions
The heads of several military professional organizations came together to beg Congress to open the government.
Threats
