Policy
Air Force’s wishlist includes money for parts and readiness
The $3.5 billion “unfunded priorities” list also includes money for exercises and military construction projects.
Policy
House passes $825B defense bill, racing the clock to avoid shutdown
Bill includes new money for ships, planes, ground combat vehicles, and AI.
Policy
How to airdrop: A C-17 pilot describes delivering food and water to Gaza
U.S. airlifters get close enough to see the destruction.
Science & Tech
Spy agency ready to launch new vehicle-tracking satellites
After tests go well, NRO director looks to start replacing JSTARS aircraft with orbital sensors.
Threats
China’s moon plans worry Space Force
New orbits could open “potential attack vectors” on US satellites, general says.
Science & Tech
Pentagon eyes Starship, designed for Mars, for military missions somewhat closer to home
After a successful, if abbreviated, third test flight, SpaceX’s reusable mega-rocket might be ready before the U.S. military is.
Defense Systems
Air Force’s T-7 trainer delayed another year
The service is also halving its planned buy of the advanced trainer in its 2025 budget request.
Business
F-35 finally approved for full-rate production, years late
The program has been stuck in its operational testing phase since 2018.
Threats
Space Force seeks orbital-refueling tech in new budget
But spending caps will slow counterspace efforts, space chief says in interview.
Policy
USAF: Let’s cut older aircraft to fund newer weapons
Space Force would get real cut under 2025 budget proposal.
Threats
US clears Ospreys to fly, with new maintenance plan and one enduring mystery
Each service has its own path to resume operations after a two-month grounding.
Policy
Air Force warns of cuts to planned buys in upcoming budget
And, officials say, if Congress blocks aircraft retirements, it will have a ripple effect on other programs.
Science & Tech
AFWERX’s private-sector collab program abruptly closes up shop
The program sent military personnel to spend time at tech firms.
Science & Tech
General Atomics’ ‘robot wingman’ makes first flight
The company is in the running to build collaborative combat aircraft for the Air Force.
Policy
Space Force units that operate and sustain their gear? Let’s make more, leader says
The months-old Integrated Mission Deltas for electromagnetic warfare and positioning-navigation-timing have already proven their value, Space Operations commander says.
Policy
Air Force must learn from suicides, chief says in wake of airman’s self-immolation over Gaza
“Whether it was politically motivated or other, we lost one of ours,” Gen. Allvin said after being heckled by protesters.
Threats
Russian space nuke wouldn’t alter US orbital-network plans, Space Force says
The nascent Proliferated Warfighter Space Architecture is built on the idea that lots of satellites offer plenty of redundancy.
Threats
Budget impasse freezes two Space Force efforts, leaders say
This year’s spending caps will boost future costs, acting Air Force undersecretary adds.
Business
Rocket Lab won’t be ready to launch its new rocket by year’s end, documents suggest
This likely means a delay for the Pentagon’s effort to boost competition for rocket launches.
Business