Business
Lockheed says new upgrade package for F-35 is ready
The TR-3 upgrade is more than two years late and has been plagued by software-development problems.
Business
Weapons, wariness, and war: Paris Air Show opens amid uncertainty
U.S. defense companies, at least, hope to assuage European fears about Washington’s reliability.
Science & Tech
How drone warfare fares in the 2026 budget
The president’s proposal leans heavily on one-time reconciliation dollars.
Policy
Hegseth says chief of naval operations nomination is coming ‘in due time’
Lawmakers question firings of, and lack of replacements for, senior military leadership.
Policy
USAF slashes F-35 buy, boosts next-gen fighter in unconventional 2026 budget proposal
The Pentagon’s spending request includes not just the usual appropriations, but also the still-under-debate reconciliation bill.
Policy
US Air Force’s nascent radar plane faces the axe
Hegseth says the E-7 Wedgetail may be discarded to fund Pentagon shift toward space-based ISR.
Science & Tech
Air Force brings ARRW hypersonic missile program back from the dead
“Diversity imposes costs on the adversary,” one expert explained.
Business
Air Force says Qatar jet retrofit will cost less than $400M
Other defense officials have estimated it could be over $1 billion.
Threats
Air Force Reserve faces steep fighter cuts, uncertain future
Plan to eliminate multiple squadrons “takes us out of the fight,” the Reserve’s top general said in a Pentagon interview.
Business
Lockheed pitches pilot-optional F-35
The company is hoping the Pentagon will buy into plans to “supercharge” the F-35.
Policy
Pentagon accepts Qatari jet to use as Air Force One
The Air Force is preparing to award a contract to modify the luxury jet.
Business
Hegseth to Air Force: Figure out how to modify Qatari jet
Converting the luxury plane into Air Force One could cost more than $1 billion, one senator said.
Policy