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.
Defense Systems
Directed energy weapons making a great leap forward
Lockheed Martin’s directed energy lead Paul Shattuck expounds on why laser beam weapon technology is maturing so quickly.
Defense Systems
DARPA wants to give hypersonic aircraft a reusable engine
The AFRE project looks to build a hybrid engine that can provide a smooth transition from supersonic to hypersonic (Mach 5) flight, which would allow the engines to be used again.
Defense Systems
Air Force explores trust issues among human-robot teams
The service gives SRA a contract to research into understanding “trust calibration” between operators and autonomous systems.
Science & Tech
Air Force Wants New Plane to Replace A-10, Fight ISIS
Generals float idea of new CAS aircraft — and beyond that, an “arsenal plane” or “flying Coke machine.”
Science & Tech