Science & Tech
Will airmen trust AI? The Air Force’s future plans depend on it
Getting leaders and operators comfortable with agents will require new doctrine, training, and permissions.
Science & Tech
Air Force contemplates unmanned tankers
The technology isn’t yet available to give autonomy to very large aircraft—but it’s coming.
Business
Lockheed’s Skunk Works plans to build four more of its multirole combat drones
The firm’s top secret research arm shared new Vectis images, but few key details.
Policy
Top Air and Space Force leaders will gather amid unresolved Iran war, budget uncertainty
The Joint Chiefs chairman, Space Force’s new leader, and the NASA administrator are all scheduled to speak at next week’s Air and Space Force Association conference.
Science & Tech
USAF speed up Reaper replacement after heavy losses in Iran
The Massed Modular Aircraft program envisions a $10M airframe—plus sensor and system costs.
Business
Back to life: How Shield AI’s future unmanned fighter made decades-old tech new again
The original GE Aerospace engine nozzle, designed for the F-16, is key to building a vertical takeoff robotic jet prototype.
Defense Systems
Iran war ‘accelerated’ key tanker connectivity upgrades, top Air Force officials say
Service leaders said increasing battlespace awareness on the KC-135 was paramount.
Defense Systems
Up to six designs could move ahead in Air Force’s next robot-wingman effort
The concept refinement phase of CCA Increment 2 could wrap by May 2027, portfolio executive says.
Defense Systems
Air Force will resume B-52 radar testing with second bomber after deadly crash
“We need to look at our schedule and adjust as necessary,” a top official said.
Business
An Australian CCA flew in a Pacific exercise. Boeing exec says it’s an important ‘first step’
One Boeing CCA didn’t win the first U.S. competition, but another just joined a major exercise.
Business
Sweden’s trio of radar planes will complement NATO’s 10, says air force chief
GlobalEye will be AEW for “all domains,” Maj. Gen. Jonas Wikman says.
Business
Allies and industry will gather at Farnborough Air Show amid Iran war, spending debates
NATO gripes, funding arguments, and Iran war tension will underscore the show.
Threats
Ukraine will build 5M drones in 2026. NATO must learn how: deputy commander
The alliance must also take hard lessons from the U.S. war on Iran, said Air Chief Marshal Johnny Stringer.
Policy
International air and space leaders will push unity at conference after prickly NATO summit
Military brass to debate space warfare, the U.K.’s F-35s, and the country's new spending plan.
Business
NATO snubs Boeing, picks Saab to build alliance’s next radar plane
One analyst said the Pentagon’s waffling on the E-7 contributed to an “own goal.”
Threats
Philippine exercise showcased Marine Littoral Regiment’s growth
3rd MLR "basically did exactly what it was designed to do,” Col. Gabe Diana said.
Policy
House, mostly, backs $1.5B White House moves to fund E-7 Wedgetail
A shuffle of classified Air Force funds was OK’d, but a withdrawal from the Navy was stopped.
Defense Systems
General Atomics plans upgrade so ground stations can fly newer MQ-9 drones
Upgrade package will enable current operators to fly MQ-9Bs with their existing terminals.
Business
Sen. Warren seeks ethics pledge from Raytheon exec nominated to top space acquisition job
A letter sent to Erich Hernandez-Baquero raised ‘impartiality’ concerns if confirmed to the role.
Defense Systems