Business
The jets were late. Lockheed got on-time bonuses anyway
After nearly 20 years of F-35 production, the program continues to “overpromise and underdeliver,” GAO said.
Policy
Space Command HQ will move to Alabama, Trump says
Colorado’s use of mail-in voting influenced his decision, he said.
Breaking News
Defense Systems
General Atomics’ collaborative combat aircraft notches first flight
Competitor Anduril says their version will fly “soon.”
Defense Systems
Second B-21 will fly by year’s end, USAF says
Also: official won't confirm US nukes are back in UK but says B61 is “deployed throughout the continent.”
Threats
Refueling accidents tied to troubled KC-46 boom, investigations find
Permanent fixes for the Boeing tanker have yet to be fielded.
Defense Systems
Navy ‘looking forward’ to F/A-XX builder decision, air boss says
A naval sixth-gen fighter wasn’t going to happen this year, but Congress offers a lifeline.
Policy
Allvin’s surprise exit signals pivot for Air Force, not Hegseth pressure: sources
Former Air Combat Commander Gen. Wilsbach tops the list of potential replacements.
Defense Systems
USAF seeks ‘exact replica’ of Shahed drone to help develop defenses
Some U.S. companies are already showing off their versions.
Breaking News
Policy
In surprise, USAF chief announces upcoming retirement
Gen. Allvin will leave about halfway through his expected term, but will stay on until a replacement is found.
Policy
Trump aims to foster space industry by cutting environmental regulation
Experts expect the new executive order to benefit SpaceX, as well as its competitors.
Threats
How an Alaskan military base is preparing for Trump-Putin meeting
Optics may be ironic, but security concerns can be addressed, officials say.
Science & Tech
Space Force launches experimental satellite to inform future GPS
Delays with ULA’s Vulcan pushed back the launch nearly three years.
Business
ULA’s heavy-lift rocket prepares to launch first Space Force mission
The company plans to loft nine missions this year, down from the once-hoped-for 20.
Business
Anduril becomes third US supplier of rocket motors, company says
Annual production will grow to 6,000 motors by the end of next year, they say.
Defense Systems
Space Force to launch ground target-tracking satellites in 2028
The new capability will first go to forces in the Indo-Pacific first.
Policy
Pentagon asks to move $150m to speed up Air Force One by two years
The move is part of DOD’s $5.4 billion omnibus reprogramming request.
Science & Tech
Navy’s drone refueler delayed again
Budget docs reveal that initial operating capability has been pushed to 2027.
Business
Boeing downplays impending fighter jet worker strike
The company will “manage” its way through the work stoppage, CEO Ortberg says.
Science & Tech