Science & Tech
New Nuclear Missiles' Cost Estimate Changes Again
The fight over America’s nuclear missile future gets cloudier, as Air Force says expensive silo improvements would be needed for any new ICBMs.
Defense Systems
USAF adds competitive career categories for cyber, space
The Air Force is trying to improve training and talent retention by adding seven new competitive career categories for officers that will include cyber, intelligence and space.
Ideas
Tyndall and Offutt AFBs Need More Repair Money — and Fast
US Air Force readiness will suffer if Congress doesn’t approve more funds by June.
Ideas
The US Air Force Needs F-35s, Not the F-15EX
Only about 20 percent of USAF fighters are fifth-generation aircraft. Winning tomorrow’s wars depends on growing that share faster, not slower.
Policy
Shanahan Touts Unity in Space-Force Pitch, But Disagreements Clearly Remain
It’s a key week for proponents of the Trump administration’s space reorganization — and their detractors.
Policy
Sorry, Florida, Looks Like You’re Not Getting US Space Command
Despite lobbying, Sunshine State left off shortlist for command’s new headquarters.
Science & Tech
Another Launch Startup Gets Work from US Air Force
New Zealand-based Rocket Lab will orbit a trio of satellites as Pentagon hunts for cheap ways to put sensors in space.
Ideas
Escalating the US Air War in Afghanistan Isn’t Working
The dramatic increase in U.S. airstrikes that began last year has brought the country no closer to peace. In fact, Afghan soldiers, police, and civilians are dying at record rates.
Business
Pentagon: We’re Buying Boeing F-15s to Keep 2 Fighter Makers in Business
The acting defense secretary’s ties to the company had nothing to do with the decision, a senior defense official said Friday.
Business
Lockheed Martin is Waging War on Boeing’s F-15EX
The F-35 maker sees the Pentagon’s plans to buy new F-15s for the first time in 19 years as a threat.
Business
Boeing Has ‘Severe Situation’ After Parts Left in Tankers, Says Top USAF Buyer
Will Roper’s harsh assessment comes amid the unrelated grounding of the company’s popular 737 Max jetliner.
Defense Systems
GSA launches Netcents-2 replacement
A new five-year blanket purchase agreement will replace Air Force's expiring IT hardware and software commodity contract.
Defense Systems
DISA works to make JRSS faster, more reliable
After a scathing internal evaluation, the Defense Information Systems Agency said it is working to resolve latency and reliability issues in the Joint Regional Security Stacks program.
Threats
State of Defense 2019: Special Report
Our annual service-by-service look at the U.S. military finds the shift to great-power competition dogged by some old problems and some very new ones.
Policy
The US Air Force Has Won Control of the Space Force
Six months ago, service leaders said they were being cut out of the planning process. Now they’re being put in charge of it.
Defense Systems
Is it time to rethink JRSS?
A new report from the Defense Department's operational test and evaluation director says the Joint Regional Security Stacks program is undermanned and should be halted until security issues are resolved.
Business
Will Space Force Give an Extra Boost to Satellite Spending?
Defense execs see increased sales as Pentagon upgrades orbiting gear to fend off attacks.
Defense Systems
Kessel Run grows its ranks
In its first civilian-focused hiring event, the Air Force’s software factory Kessel Run looks to bring on about 30 new personnel.
Defense Systems