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
Failed Hypersonic Test Dims Air Force View of Lockheed Missile
The service had previously disclosed that an ARRW test happened in March, but markedly avoided saying whether it was a success.
Science & Tech
How Self-Flying F-16s Will Enable Future Fighter Drones
The Air Force’s Venom project aims to use test data to train an AI engine that can be widely used.
Policy
Air Force Wishlist: Accelerate E-7 Production, Extend F-15EX Range, Buy New Radars for F-16s
The service’s “unfunded priorities” list also includes $1.2 billion for 21 military construction projects.
Ideas
The New F-35A Engine Would Be a Win-Win-Win-Win
The fuel savings alone would please taxpayers, environmentalists, the Pentagon and the industrial base.
Ideas
Defense One Radio, Ep. 120: Air Force chief Gen. Charles Q. Brown
Chief of Staff Gen. Charles Q. Brown sat down with Defense One’s Marcus Weisgerber to discuss priorities for the year ahead, lessons from Russia’s Ukraine invasion, and more.
Threats
F-35 Sales Rise as Russian Invasion Grinds On
Air Force general says recent deals show how NATO allies are stepping up as the U.S. focuses on China.
Policy
‘Woke-ism’ Not an Issue, Top Military Leaders Say
Inclusion is actually a critical part of unit cohesion, Air Force chief and Marine commandant said.
Threats