Business
Here’s How the USAF Is Using Its New Purchasing Power
Next week, program heads will meet at the Pentagon to brief the service’s new acquisition board of directors.
Ideas
America’s New Stealth Bomber has a Stealthy Price Tag
Revealing how much the Air Force’s B-21 is costing won’t help America’s enemies — but will make oversight possible.
Business
How to Sell a COIN Aircraft in a Great-Power Era
Even as the Pentagon shifts its focus from low-intensity conflict to full-spectrum war, the U.S. Air Force might finally buy a prop-driven light attack plane.
Science & Tech
Microsoft Invades Amazon’s Turf in Spookville
An intelligence-community contract for cloud and AI services is just a prequel to the upcoming battle for the Pentagon’s massive cloud contract.
Business
The US Air Force Is Adding Algorithms to Predict When Planes Will Break
The airlines already use predictive maintenance technology. Now the service’s materiel chief says it’s a “must-do for us.”
Ideas
Hey, Big Tech, Don’t Abandon Uncle Sam’s Cyber Warriors
There’s a dangerously misguided provision in the otherwise laudable accord signed recently by 30 leading tech companies.
Business
L3 Shops for a Shipyard — and a Place in the Defense Industry’s Top Tier
Its bullish new CEO wants America’s sixth-largest defense firm viewed in the same group as the Big 5.
Business
Did Your Company Make that Warplane? Don’t Count on the Upgrade Work Anymore
The new Air Force acquisition chief wants to open more sustainment contracts to competition.
Ideas
The Pentagon Is Losing the Innovation Battle. Here's How to Turn It Around
Four steps that will help better harness American innovation.
Ideas
The White House Is Relaxing Drone Exports. Here's a Good Next Step
A 31-year-old arms-control pact governs UAVs as if they were cruise missiles. Our national leadership in the field depends on fixing that.
Threats
The US Navy Wants a Better Way to Keep China’s Nose Out of Its Contracts
A subcontract with a Huawei partner has the secretary looking for an ‘institutional algorithm’ for spotting dicey partnerships.
Business
US Air Force Is Moving Faster on Space Contracts, Industry Execs Say
The service has new purchasing authorities, a planned new structure for its satellite-buying arm — and a new attitude, company leaders say.
Science & Tech