Defense Systems

Air Force to improve Military Code GPS receivers

A $52.6 million contract with Raytheon calls for modernizing the Miniature Airborne GPS receiver 2000 as the service shifts to stronger, jam-resistant signals.

Threats

As Wars Demand Intel, Air Force Boosts Drone Pilot Bonuses

Secretary James hopes an extra $10,000 will ease the strain on careers and families.

Defense Systems

Air Force says the F-35 is combat ready

The Joint Strike Fighter, the most complex and expensive weapon system in history, gets a green light from its biggest customer.

Science & Tech

F-35 is ‘Ready For War;’ Now the Air Force Wants More, and Faster

Buying more JSFs would lower the per-plane price tag and allow the service to retire older jets sooner.

Threats

Despite Objections, Pentagon Takes Step Toward Buying New Nuclear Weapons

The U.S. Air Force has asked defense firms to bid to supply new ICBMs and controversial nuclear cruise missiles.

Business

A New Path to Foreign Sales; NATO By the Numbers; USAF Budget Shortfalls

Welcome to Vol. 2 of our weekly newsletter about the future of the business of defense.

Defense Systems

Navy looks to fine-tune flight simulators

Service awards AAC a contract to improve fidelity for training on the P-8A Poseidon and the MH-60R Seahawk, while making ocean simulations more realistic.

Defense Systems

Air Force modifies NetCents 2's small biz application services deal

The 12 companies named to the original deal in 2012 are awarded a total $88 million modification.

Business

US Military Turning to Private 'Bad Guys' to Dogfight Fighter Pilots

The strain on the military's pilots and budget is fueling a booming market for companies of private pilots and fleets of fighters jets to play the bad guys in wargames.

Defense Systems

Services look for eyewear to protect against lasers

The Air Force awards a contract for protective glasses, while the Army seeks all-purpose goggles.

Defense Systems

New tech can help troops keep their cool in high temperatures

AFRL and industry develop a lightweight way to keep troops cooler in blistering heat.

Defense Systems

Air Force looks to upgrade its EW jammers

Raytheon, maker of the MALD-J, receives a $34.8 million contract to improve the jammer’s flight and EW jamming capabilities.

Ideas

The US Air Force Is Short 700 Fighter Pilots. Here’s Our Plan to Fix That.

Busier but smaller than ever, the Air Force needs higher bonuses and more family time to help compete with commercial airlines and the economy.

Business

The Future of Boeing Defense, According to Its New CEO

Five areas that Leanne Caret wants to focus on — and a few things she wants to stop doing.

Business

At Farnborough, Brexit Fears Dampen F-35’s UK Debut

Few military deals are expected at the giant airshow, despite the pomp and circumstance surrounding the plane’s maiden appearance.

Science & Tech

When Will US Air Force F-35s Be Ready for Battle?

The general who will make the decision offered some clues as he celebrated the jet's recent trip across the Atlantic.

Ideas

What Presidents Do When Naval Encounters Turn Deadly

Three incidents that shook the nation hold lessons for future commanders-in-chief.

Defense Systems

AFRL develops portable tool for aircraft inspections

SuNDE speeds up repairs by assessing structural damage in the field and giving maintenance depot crews a heads-up about the parts and components they’ll need.

Threats

Air Force Officers Give New Details for F-35 in War With China

For the first time, key officers lay out how they’d deploy the stealth F-35 and F-22 in an all-out war with China.