Defense Systems
B-21: Peep new photos of the Air Force's secretive stealth bomber
Three new images of the bat-winged aircraft are released.
Threats
China, Russia taking ‘batting practice’ in air intercepts of aging US aircraft, general says
Aggressive maneuvers underscore diminishing U.S. advantage, Air Combat Command leader said.
Policy
Some Ukrainian pilots could finish training in as few as three months
Air National Guard director said shorter timeline is “absolutely realistic” for experienced pilots.
Business
Conference Wire: Air, Space & Cyber 2023, Day 2
Speeches by the chiefs of the Air Force and Space Forces were highlights at the giant gathering outside Washington, D.C.
Policy
Senators trade barbs about promotion holds during hearing for Air Force chief nominee
Gen. David Allvin, tapped to replace Gen. CQ Brown as leader of the Air Force, is one of hundreds of officers in limbo.
Threats
Air Force clearing out jungles in Pacific to bolster airfield options
But additional funding for these efforts may be held up by budget impasse on Capitol Hill, Pacific Air Forces commander says.
Defense Systems
Budget delays could ‘slow roll’ Air Force’s digital infrastructure plans
In early 2024, the service plans to launch cloud-based command and control technologies in three undisclosed locations.
Policy
USAF aims to ‘re-optimize’ for great power competition
Kendall dispatches teams to seek better ways to organize to take on China.
Business
Conference Wire: Air, Space & Cyber 2023, Day 1
The Air Force secretary on confronting China and getting nominees through Congress.
Business
Military hopes commercial airlines adopt new hybrid plane design
The head of U.S. Transportation Command says blended wing body designs could provide more efficient, especially if they can fly from existing airports.
Science & Tech
Questions loom as Air Force robot-wingman effort prepares to take flight
Industry execs outline challenges of technology, test and evaluation—and even philosophy.
Business
Air Force frets as Lockheed announced another delay for new-tech F-35
The first F-35 with a new tech package might not arrive until June, Lockheed now says.
Ideas
The Space Force needs a brand-new culture of its own
It doesn’t do organized violence—and shouldn’t pretend that it does.
Ideas
China is honing runway-repair teams
In a Pacific conflict, sustained air operations will turn on the ability to keep airfields open.
Science & Tech
Shield AI drones demonstrate autonomous teaming under USAF contract
The company says it will operationalize its AI pilot software on V-BAT drones in 2024.
Threats
