Defense Systems

How the Air Force is tackling electronic warfare challenges

The Air Force is on high alert when it comes to electromagnetic spectrum threats. But extensive system updates pose a risk.

Threats

Vulnerabilities May Slow Air Force’s Adoption of Artificial Intelligence

More data on the battlefield means a wider attack surface, something the Defense Department has yet to prepare for, experts say.

Ideas

AFA Conference Wire: Keeping AI Safe From Bad Data

News and notes from the 2021 Air Force Association's Air, Space & Cyber conference.

Defense Systems

Telework is the new normal for Air Force Materiel Command

Air Force Materiel Command is preparing to have half of its headquarters personnel working remotely at least some of the time, Commander Gen. Arnold Bunch said.

Defense Systems

Air Force secretary mulls space acquisitions nominees

Air Force Secretary Frank Kendall said candidate interviews are underway for the space acquisition system secretary position and he expects to make a recommendation to the defense secretary and White House soon.

Defense Systems

Zero trust, EMS top Air Force cyber priorities

Lt. Gen. Timothy Haugh, the commander of the 16th Air Force, said implementing zero trust principles was "foundational" to improve data use and mitigate vulnerabilities from the defense industry supply chain.

Threats

Racial Division, Troops’ Role in Protests Has Hurt Minority Recruiting, Air Force Says

Black interest in military service plummeted after the George Floyd protests. Can the Pentagon undo the damage?

Ideas

AFA Conference Wire: New Space Force Uniforms, Hub-and-Spoke

News and notes from the 2021 Air Force Association's Air, Space & Cyber conference.

Policy

Trump’s Red, White & Blue Air Force One Paint Job is Not Final, General Says

The concept image is “just something that’s on a paper,” according to Air Force acquisition official.

Ideas

AFA Conference Wire: China Warnings and B-21 Numbers

News and notes from the 2021 Air Force Association's Air, Space & Cyber conference.

Threats

Air Force Secretary Warns of China’s Burgeoning Nuclear Arsenal, Reveals B-21 Detail

Frank Kendall also criticized Congress for not allowing the Air Force to retire old, unneeded warplanes and questioned the need for hypersonic weapons.

Science & Tech

US Air Force Developing Combat Tanker-Airlifter that Can Land on Water

In a conflict with China, aircraft will need flexibility in basing, and that means water takeoffs, landings.

Ideas

AFA Conference Wire: Force Mixes and COVID Masks

Vaccine cards and masks are back on the agenda for the 2021 Air Force Association.

Threats

One in Three Women in Air Force, Space Force Have Experienced Sexual Harassment

Inspector general investigation into gender, race disparities also found minorities, women far less likely to hold leadership posts.

Science & Tech

USAF Wants Wearables to Spot Outbreaks Faster

Top officials are also looking into data integration and digital traceability tools to help keep staff healthy.

Science & Tech

US Air Force’s First Software Chief Steps Down

Nicolas Chaillan, who led a Pentagon-wide DevSecOps effort, said he was leaving in part because of a lack of support from senior leaders.