Defense Systems

Fund the New F-35 Engine—If Only to Keep Industrial Base Humming, Lawmaker Says

Rep. Wittman and allies want to reverse the Air Force decision to kill the alternate engine program.

Threats

US Rushes F-22s to Stop Russian Harassment Over Syria

Iran and Russia's efforts to push the U.S. out of the airspace include an aerial incident last week, Air Forces Central commander says.

Threats

US Air Force Uses Mideast Ops to Test Tech for Potential China Fight

The service is testing how artificial intelligence could rapidly give kinetic and non-kinetic targeting options to senior leaders, Air Forces Central Commander said.

Science & Tech

Air Force Lab Seeks Higher-Risk, Higher-Reward Breakthroughs

At the Defense One Tech Summit, AFRL's tech chief says the lab wants to answer science questions that have never been asked.

Policy

House Lawmakers Push Alternate F-35 Engine

In markup, HASC chairman adds more than $500 million to keep the alternate engine alive.

Ideas

We’re Still Arguing Over Women in the Military?

The U.S. armed forces need women, and suggestions to the contrary hurt recruiting and readiness.

Defense Systems

New ICBM Delayed at Least a Year, GAO Says

Annual assessment foresees LGM-35A reaching initial operating capability no earlier than mid-2030.

Threats

To Escape Bullies, Military ‘Forced to Move’ Families with LGBTQ+ Kids

Harassment of children is "detracting from our readiness," says top Air Force manpower official, "because their school will do nothing when their LGBT kid is being bullied."

Business

GE Joins Lockheed in Lobbying for New Tanker Competition

Coalition turns up heat three months after USAF said they’d probably just buy Boeing.

Defense Systems

Overheating F-35s May Get Service-Specific Cooling Upgrades, Likely Hiking Cost

The jets’ engines are running twice as hot as designed, boosting maintenance and capping performance.

Threats

USAF Calls Killer-AI Report ‘Anecdotal’

Chief of AI test and operations says he “misspoke” about a “thought experiment” in which a drone killed its operator.

Business

L3Harris Won't Attend the Paris Air Show

CEO says the company will choose to focus attention on the company’s operations.