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
White House Seeks Alternatives to Independent Space Force
Pentagon leaders were dutifully double-timing toward a new military branch. Then they got new marching orders.
Threats
US Air Force Is Redrawing Its Pacific-War Playbook for China
New Pacific Air Forces chief wants deeper cooperation with allied militaries — and better drills for when comms go down.
Defense Systems
Can Kessel Run scale?
Everyone wants a piece of the Air Force's agile software development program. Here's how the program could scale to the other services.
Policy
Space Force Actually May Be Bargain, New Cost Estimate Says
“At this point it may be a coin toss whether or not this makes it through,” says Todd Harrison.
Policy
Senior Defense Officials Offer Dueling Pricetags for Space Force
Hours after the Pentagon’s No. 2 floated a sub-$5 billion figure, the Air Force secretary stood by her $13-billion estimate.
Business
Supersonic Bizjets May Attract Pentagon Interest
Three teams are pursuing latter-day SSTs. The U.S. military might have use for them.
Defense Systems
Contract for Cyber Command Unified Platform moves forward
The Air Force awarded Northrop Grumman a $54.6 million contract for Unified Platform, which will facilitate offensive and defensive cyber operations.
Threats
After Laser Attacks, Pentagon Spending $200M to Protect Pilots’ Eyeballs
The contracts came just months after the U.S. accused China of trying to blind military pilots in Africa and the Pacific.
Policy
Pentagon Officials Debating How Fast to Launch Space Force, Deputy Says
White House panel announces formal recommendations, while Deputy Defense Secretary Patrick Shanahan confirms NRO will remain apart from Space Force.
Business
Foreign Weapons Get a Closer Look as the Pentagon Races to Rearm
That’s why Raytheon and others are eagerly courting non-U.S. partners with state-of-the-art gear.
Defense Systems