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
Chinese info ops, military sales driving ‘wedges’ between US and partners in the Middle East
Concerns come as the Trump admin slashes USAID—leaving space for more Chinese influence globally.
Policy
Pentagon’s 8-percent budget shift could be ‘painful’ for the Air Force
But there’s still “hope” because the overall topline won’t be cut, and the service will be “a big part” of the future fight, an official said.
Policy
Bloodbath: Joint Chiefs chair, CNO, Air Force vice chief, three top JAGs to be replaced
Trump, Hegseth announce plans to oust several of the military’s top officers amid larger DEI purge.
Business
Musk is helping remove ‘constraints’ to speed up Air Force One delivery: Boeing CEO
The company has lost billions on the presidential jets, which are years behind schedule.
Policy
Uncertainty mounts at Space Development Agency as Air Force IG prepares probe
The unexpected sidelining of its director raises questions about the future of the satellite-acquisition “constructive disruptor.”
Defense Systems
Air Force has halted work on parts of its ICBM program
Work on the Sentinel command and launch segment is on hold due to “evolving” requirements, officials say.
Policy
Hegseth puts Air Force reorganization on hold
Service chief Gen. David Allvin previously emphasized the need to move out quickly.
Ideas
Defense One Radio, Ep. 172: The Air Force's force-design leader
Maj. Gen. Joseph Kunkel discusses his how his service's modernization strategy will shape the future of air combat in an increasingly complex security landscape.
Science & Tech
The F-35 program’s software development isn’t getting any better, Pentagon report finds
A new report from the top DOD weapons tester noted the program can’t "simultaneously" fix multiple software problems.
Business
Full F-35 upgrade package might not happen this year, Lockheed says
The company also reported $2B in losses in 2024 on classified programs in its fourth-quarter earnings call.
Policy
Air Force promises it’s ‘faithfully’ executing Trump’s orders
Gen. Allvin aimed to “dispel a rumor” regarding the removal of training materials related to Tuskegee Airmen and WASPs.
Policy