Policy
For Now, ‘Over the Horizon’ Protection for Afghanistan Will Fly From Existing Hubs, Acting Air Force Secretary Says
Service wants $10 billion for South Asia and Middle East operations as Pentagon develops long-term plan for Afghanistan support.
Business
New Air Force One Could Be Delayed Another Year
The GAO’s latest cost estimate brings the price tag to $2.6 billion apiece.
Science & Tech
Digital Engineering Could Speed Wartime Arms Production
It could also allow contractors to build and modernize weapons they did not create.
Science & Tech
Pentagon’s Accelerating ‘Connect-Everything’ Effort Hinges on Uncertain Cloud Program
If the JEDI program collapses, JADC2 is going to need a replacement cloud.
Science & Tech
Can Rockets Deliver Supplies to War Zones? Space Force, Air Force Aim to Find Out
A research lab will see whether reusable boosters can deliver up to a C-17s’ worth of cargo to terrestrial destinations.
Business
Pentagon Shelves Plans for New Air Force Two
In the meantime, the Air Force is in the early stages of developing supersonic and hypersonic passenger aircraft.
Policy
US Air Force Details Proposed Cuts to Planes, Flying Hours
2022 budget request would retire scores of fighters and tankers and cut thousands of flying hours to fund modernization.
Policy
Analysis: Here’s What to Look For in Biden’s First Pentagon Budget Request
DOD likely to face fight from Congress on plans to divest older weapons.
Threats
Peace with Russia, China ‘Fraying at the Edge,’ Milley Tells Graduating Cadets
New Air Force officers should work “to set the conditions for a future that prevents great power war,” Joint Chiefs chairman says.
Policy
US Air Force Will Cut Turkey from F-35 Production, Kendall Says
The service secretary nominee also signals he’s not in favor of reducing U.S. F-35 purchases.
Ideas
Introducing ‘The China Intelligence’
Everyone needs to understand China better. Open-source intelligence can help.
Policy
With Half Its Troops Unvaccinated, Pentagon Aims to Persuade Skeptics
Instead of a “personal health choice,” leaders now call shots a “critical part” of fighting the pandemic.
Ideas
The F-35’s Painful Lessons Must Inform Future Programs
Congress and the Pentagon must question dubious technical requirements, rosy buy-in costs, and optimistic schedule promises.
Policy
Will 2021 Be the Year JADC2 Takes Off?
The U.S. military has big hopes for joint, all-domain command and control. But logistical and financial challenges are mounting.
Policy