Author Archive
Business
F-35’s price might rise, Lockheed warns
After years of declines, the jet’s cost is being pushed by upgrades, inflation, and a proposal to buy fewer of them.
Threats
Navy still picking winner for F/A-XX next year, Northrop CEO says
Despite the service’s proposal to cut funding, “we have not received” word that 6th-gen plans have changed.
Business
Boeing might put a drone operator in the F-15EX’s back seat
The company is mulling options as it pitches the modernized Eagle to international customers.
Business
Raytheon hunting for another US supplier of solid rocket motors
As missile orders soar, a lack of engines is bottlenecking production.
Defense Systems
New design for next-gen UK-Italy-Japan fighter unveiled
But it’s no longer clear that Britain wants to prioritize a sixth-generation jet, much like the U.S. Air Force.
Business
More bad news for Boeing defense on the horizon
The company is still “fighting through challenges” building new Air Force One planes, defense chief says.
Defense Systems
Ukraine’s cheap sensors are helping troops fight off waves of Russian drones
Sub-$500 rig helps save expensive air-defense missiles for bigger threats.
Business
Lockheed won’t get paid in full yet for upgraded F-35s, even as deliveries resume
The jets are being shipped with incomplete software, so the Pentagon is withholding part of its payment.
Business
Air Force brought in hard-nosed negotiator to close E-7 deal with Boeing
The service was struggling to reach an agreement for its new radar plane.
Defense Systems
Lockheed resumes F-35 deliveries after year-long pause
But the tech-development problems that halted deliveries of the TR-3 version of the jet persist.
Business
War and uncertainty shape Farnborough expectations
Under the buzz of big contracts, expect quiet conversations about allied production, industrial supply chains, and the future of NATO.
Featured eBooks
Policy
New ICBM effort won’t slow down despite pledges to ‘restructure’ as costs balloon
Air Force says problems lie less with the Sentinel missile and more with its supporting infrastructure.
Science & Tech
Meet the Air Force’s secretive long-range drone that flies for days
The robot surveillance aircraft can fly for 80 hours without refueling.
Threats
ULA owners add ‘review team’ after Pentagon airs concerns about launch schedule
CEO also announces payload change for Vulcan’s upcoming certification flight.
Policy
Air Force fires head of Sentinel ICBM program
Spokesman says Col. Charles Clegg's removal "is not directly related" to the program's ballooning costs.
Science & Tech
Space Command renews call for ways to refuel satellites in orbit
Despite others’ reservations, commander says U.S. space assets need to be able to outrun adversaries.
Business
The price of each B-21 bomber is likely going up
The Air Force has agreed to a higher cost ceiling after Northrop took a loss on fixed-price lots.
Science & Tech
Two startups join forces to make self-flying tankers, dogfighting AI, and more
Merlin Labs, which aims to test an AI-powered KC-135 within a year, is to buy F-16 AI driver EpiSci.
