Defense Systems
Air Force’s AI ambitions mean simplifying its tangle of networks
Over the next year, battle-networks chief aims to reduce systems to a “rational number.”
Threats
China, China, Chi—wait, what? Air Force mulls next steps amid homeland focus
Officials tout applicability of ongoing modernization, but experts and former officials have doubts.
Threats
‘We need to be ready to go’: AFSOC preps for potential Caribbean missions
AFSOC held a long-planned exercise on St. Croix just days before the first U.S. strike on an alleged drug boat.
Policy
Foreign ties are crucial to US space dominance, officials say
More partnerships, tighter alliances are needed to counter advances by China and others, U.S. space leaders said.
Threats
‘A game changer’: Space Force’s leader aims to debut future operating plans this year
The document will predict future threats, so the service can better prepare for them.
Threats
The China threat goes beyond the Pacific, intel chiefs say
Air and Space Force intelligence chiefs warn of China’s global influence as military partnerships flourish.
Defense Systems
F-47’s first flight expected in 2028
That’s a year earlier than Air Force officials have previously said Boeing's sixth-gen combat aircraft might take wing.
Business
Anduril blames CCA delay on push for ‘semi-autonomous’ first flight
Air Force officials, who expected the milestone over the summer, now anticipate it by mid-October.
Business
Lockheed’s Skunk Works unveils work on a potential CCA competitor
Officials say multipurpose Vectis drone is to fly by 2027, have “Indo-Pacific” range.
Threats
Dueling robot wingmen take the stage
Questions of survivability, missions, and sustainment of CCAs still linger.
Defense Systems
The Space Force issued thousands of smartwatches to replace PT tests
Here’s how it’s going.
Defense Systems
The Air Force wants to expand cloud-based comms, official says
Maj. Gen. Luke Cropsey, the service’s top digital infrastructure buyer, said the plan is to scale use over the next year across tactical and operational systems.
Defense Systems
This ‘cloud in a box’ could save Air Force maintainers years of paperwork
The Air Force has been developing a portable data center that can hold maintenance and sustainment docs for every plane the service has—in a container the size of a window air conditioner.
Defense Systems
Budget drama could snag Pentagon’s satellite launch award
While source selection will continue, launch mission assignments for 2025 could stall.
Threats
Test B-21 flying up to twice a week, Northrop reports
Meanwhile, the Air Force has released its first-ever footage of the bomber in flight.
Threats
Air Force’s Ospreys will return to forward-deployment within 'weeks'
The tiltrotor aircraft’s flying operations have been restricted since March.
Threats
Russia’s hasty mobilization could see more drones crash on NATO territory
European militaries should seek out relatively cheap drone detectors, US Air Europe chief says.
Policy
Lessons from Ukrainian F-16 crash will shape US training: Air Force general
Hecker describes ongoing challenges related to Kyiv’s donated fighter jets.
Defense Systems
AWACS without a plane? Northrop pitches new connect-everything product
NG InSight is a “toolbox” to integrate sensors, off-board computing, and more.
Defense Systems