Policy
State of the Air Force 2025
The unveiling of a new, sixth-gen fighter jet bodes well for more airpower investment, but readiness problems and funding questions persist.
Ideas
Add special operators to the Joint Simulation Environment
The X-Men have the right idea: training needs to include the whole team.
Science & Tech
Space Force may use SpaceX satellites instead of developing its own, senator says
The satellites in question are part of the data transport layer of the Space Development Agency’s Proliferated Warfighter Space Architecture.
Policy
Defense One Radio, Ep. 175: Air Force chief Gen. David Allvin
Our State of Defense interview series continues.
Defense Systems
Boeing wins Air Force’s next-gen fighter contract
The company beat out Lockheed to build NGAD, which has been named the F-47.
Policy
USAF chief seeks bigger budget slice
Looking to align with the new administration's priorities, Gen. Allvin said the service plays a central role in deterrence and protecting the homeland.
Science & Tech
As tanker plans remains uncertain, today’s Air Force refuelers may fly past their 100th birthday
The service may need to look at a service life extension of the KC-135, Air Mobility Command says.
Policy
Service leaders beg for flexibility as full-year continuing resolution looms
Without a new budget—or relief from the strictures of its absence—the military can’t start new projects or pay for the unexpected.
Ideas
There’s a tanker-sized gap in this vision of the Air Force’s future
A recent Mitchell Institute study gives dangerously short shrift to global mobility.
Business
General Atomics says it’s ready to pump out up to 18 CCAs per month
The two companies building the robot wingmen get an Air Force designation.
Business
F-35 to get new software this summer—but there’s no date yet for planned full upgrade
Lockheed is hoping to wring out problems this year as the new administration revisits purchase plan.
Science & Tech
‘No more viable option than NGAD,’ Air Force says as decision rests in new hands
With China unveiling its new sixth-gen designs, the service can do nothing better, officials say.
Policy
Air Force, Space Force chiefs make forceful cases for ‘warrior ethos’
The intense speeches were delivered to a less-than-full ballroom due to Trump-administration travel restrictions.
Threats
