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
Air Force outlines 2019 modernization agenda
Air Force Undersecretary Matthew Donovan pushes tech innovation and massive IT changes for the coming year.
Ideas
Ep. 32: The $750 billion military; USAF’s Kessel Run; Happy Birthday to the Guard, and more.
Welcome to our podcast about the news, strategy, tech, and business trends defining the future of national security.
Business
Airbus Looks to Pounce As Boeing Struggles to Deliver First Tanker
The fight between the commercial airliner titans is moving back into the defense space. And this time, Lockheed Martin is in Airbus’ corner.
Defense Systems
Air Force to try again on JRSS migrations
The Air Force hit pause on standing up and migrating to the Joint Regional Security Stacks after suffering connectivity problems but will reboot in 2019.
Policy