Science & Tech
Air Force eyes supply missions for its first electric air taxi
Joby Aviation delivered its battery-powered vertical takeoff and landing aircraft to Edwards AFB in California.
Science & Tech
Boeing is using Fortnite’s game engine to upgrade B-52s
Will this “hyper-realistic” modeling tool help get the program a Victory Royale?
Threats
Pentagon propping up F-35 readiness by buying new parts instead of waiting for repairs, GAO says
This is unsustainable, DOD concedes—and may be delaying the creation of depots that could fix the repair backlog.
Threats
Air Force general defends incendiary memo but says ‘war is not inevitable’
Minihan says a mindset of urgency helped produce three “game-changing” concepts in a recent exercise.
Defense Systems
One way the Air Force is filling electronic-warfare gaps: hiring interns
The 350th Spectrum Warfare Wing is working with universities to recruit young talent for now—and maybe later.
Business
Lockheed aims to hit F-16 production goal by end of 2025
But lawmakers and Pentagon officials want more jets, faster, particularly for Taiwan.
Science & Tech
France sees smaller future in Africa, larger role in the Pacific, says country’s air force chief
French military is increasing its spend on tankers to be more places at once with a lighter permanent footprint.
Exclusive
Business
As Lockheed hungers for F-35 sustainment deal, Pentagon says it might not happen
Company officials no longer expect DOD to approve a switch to performance-based logistics by year’s end.
Ideas
Defense One Radio, Ep. 133: Unpacking the 2023 Air, Space & Cyber conference
In this episode, we review several things we learned at the Air & Space Forces Association's biggest annual event.
Threats
After Niger coup, Air Force looks for other countries to host drone base
Still, ISR operations have resumed from Nigerien sites, the region’s U.S. Air Force commander said.
Threats
Air Force looks to move spy-plane sensors to satellites
Among the draws: space-based gear can often be built and launched faster than aircraft can be modified.
Business
Conference Wire: Air, Space & Cyber 2023, Day 3
New photos of the B-21 got some buzz, but drones—and especially CCAs—were a hot topic.
Science & Tech