Science & Tech
Air Force contemplates unmanned tankers
The technology isn’t yet available to give autonomy to very large aircraft—but it’s coming.
Exclusive
Defense Systems
Army’s Apache grounding prompted by deadly Texas crash will end this week, memo says
The service confirmed a transmission problem on the helicopters three months ago. It wasn’t a factor in this crash, an official told Defense One.
Business
Army picks M1 to lead $10B helicopter-school transformation
The aviation-services firm beat out Bell and Lockheed Martin.
Defense Systems
Iran war ‘accelerated’ key tanker connectivity upgrades, top Air Force officials say
Service leaders said increasing battlespace awareness on the KC-135 was paramount.
Defense Systems
Up to six designs could move ahead in Air Force’s next robot-wingman effort
The concept refinement phase of CCA Increment 2 could wrap by May 2027, portfolio executive says.
Business
The Army didn’t want this striking rotorcraft, but could it be what NATO needs?
Sikorsky showcased its dual-rotor Raider helicopter at the Farnborough airshow.
Defense Systems
Air Force will resume B-52 radar testing with second bomber after deadly crash
“We need to look at our schedule and adjust as necessary,” a top official said.
Business
The German navy can’t get enough P-8 patrol aircraft
The service is building out its ability to track Russian naval activity in the High North.
Ideas
Canada’s GCAP decision is about relationships, not the F-35
On Monday, the defense minister echoed a call for increased cooperation among middle powers.
Business
Boeing adjusts approach to court more European business
Growing international workforce, manufacturing and assembly come into focus as the aerospace giant pitches platforms abroad.
Business
Sweden’s trio of radar planes will complement NATO’s 10, says air force chief
GlobalEye will be AEW for “all domains,” Maj. Gen. Jonas Wikman says.
Defense Systems
Anduril pitches a robot wingman for US Army helicopters
The defense firm unveiled work on an autonomous tiltrotor just weeks after winning Air Force’s CCA contract.
Business
Allies and industry will gather at Farnborough Air Show amid Iran war, spending debates
NATO gripes, funding arguments, and Iran war tension will underscore the show.
Policy
International air and space leaders will push unity at conference after prickly NATO summit
Military brass to debate space warfare, the U.K.’s F-35s, and the country's new spending plan.
Business
NATO snubs Boeing, picks Saab to build alliance’s next radar plane
One analyst said the Pentagon’s waffling on the E-7 contributed to an “own goal.”
Defense Systems
Anduril, General Atomics get Air Force contracts to build first drone wingmen
Six other companies will compete to develop its autonomy software.
Defense Systems
In apparent first, Navy drone boat rescues helicopter crew downed at sea
The unmanned vessel, made by Texas-based Saronic, was sent to the region in March.
Defense Systems
What if the A-10 had AI & electronic-warfare gear?
House lawmakers wonder whether new missions could help keep the Warthog useful.
Policy
Lawmakers aim to force the Army to detail its transformation plans
“Parochial interests” may have motivated lawmakers to tighten the reins, one official said.
Defense Systems