Policy
Where’d the Money Go? Lawmakers Press Air Force on Planned Radar Plane
Congress approved $200 million last year to get the first E-7s faster. That’s not happening.
Defense Systems
Pentagon Network Chiefs Are Putting Automation to Work
Tireless cyber tools can patrol parts of DOD’s networks, tools, and applications where hackers like to hide.
Threats
Air Force’s Next-Gen ICBM Program Could Face Delays, Kendall Says
Though the Ground-Based Strategic Deterrent is on track at the moment, Air Force Secretary Frank Kendall isn’t sure it will stay there.
Threats
A-10s Return to Middle East with a New Mission, and a New Weapon
Tensions with Iran, Russia have CENTCOM calling upon the venerable Warthog once again.
Threats
Russian Warplanes Are ‘Trying to Dogfight’ US Jets Over Syria, General Says
“Don’t take the bait,” the region’s top Air Force general warns pilots.
Business
Boeing Losses on KC-46 Tanker Top $7B
With more than 70 percent of the planned fleet already ordered, the plane remains a financial burden.
Defense Systems
The Air Force’s Electronic-Warfare Wing Is 400 People Short
That’s okay for now, its commander says, but his service may need to change how it trains and manages EW officers.
Policy
Let Me Start Weapons R&D Faster, Air Force Secretary Asks Congress
Frank Kendall wants freedom from rules that require lawmakers’ approval to get anti-China weapons off the ground.
Policy
Tighten Access to Classified Info, Air Force Secretary Says
As the Pentagon responds to a classified document leak, officials should focus on enforcing “need to know,” according to Frank Kendall.
Science & Tech
Why the Navy & Air Force Can't Get Lasers Across the 'Valley of Death'
A new GAO report details missing links in efforts to move directed-energy weapons from the lab to the field.
Business
Boeing Eyes Summer Flight Tests for Delayed Training Jet, Citing ‘Progress’ on Ejection-Seat Woes
The company says it’s almost ready to test-fly the Air Force’s T-7A Red Hawk, but lawmakers are impatient.
Policy
F-22s Marked for Retirement Will Never Be Combat Worthy, General Says
The Air Force hopes Congress will let them get rid of 32 Block 20 F-22s in the 2024 budget.
Policy
As Air Force Tries to Retire Jets, HASC’s Wittman Wants a Gapfiller
The Virginia Republican wants a “tactical interim” capability to arrive while the Air Force awaits its secret NGAD combat aircraft.
Threats
NATO Plans Record Air Exercise as Finland Joins Alliance
Air Defender 2023 exercise will include 100 U.S. aircraft, 2,000 troops, in “largest transatlantic movement” the Air National Guard has ever done.
Policy
Can F-35 Engine Plan Get Foreign OK?
The U.S. Air Force decided to upgrade the existing engine instead of pursuing a new adaptive engine, and will likely talk to partners about the change later this year.
Science & Tech
What’s Next in US Hypersonic Efforts as Air Force Shelves ARRW
The service will focus on a potentially cheap scramjet as research continues in other services.
Threats
F-35s Need More Powerful Engines—But How Much More?
The Pentagon says it doesn’t know, and lawmakers have questions.
Science & Tech