Business
Air Force reaches deal with Northrop to expand B-21 production
The Pentagon wants to spend $4.5 billion in bomber-related reconciliation funds this year alone.
Exclusive
Business
Replacement B-52 test engine deliveries expected in 2027
The new F130 engines aim to keep the Cold War-era bomber flying through the 2050s.
Science & Tech
An MQ-20 drone just teamed up with an F-22 for mock combat missions
The drone was able to “exchange messages” with the pilot about patrols, maneuvers, and more.
Policy
All eyes on Air Force leaders after a year of chaos and change
Experts say service leaders ought to pitch a clear vision at upcoming conference.
Business
Embraer joins Northrop to devise autonomous boom system for KC-390 tanker
The deal aims to court international buyers and the Air Force as it sketches out its future refueling program.
Science & Tech
Initial Sentinel ICBM expected by early 2030, Air Force says
Officials say a new Pentagon-controlled manager role helped accelerate the Sentinel timeline.
Defense Systems
Flight tests validate mix-and-match approach to robot-wingman autonomy
The Air Force is using the A-GRA framework on its collaborative combat aircraft.
Policy
With an eye on China, Air Force hones its hub-and-spoke approach to basing
“The strategic attention is here in this theater,” undersecretary says during a visit to the Indo-Pacific.
Threats
The US military is taking control of more Texas borderland
The Air Force has added about 190 miles of Rio Grande riverbank to the 250 it already oversees.
Ideas
'Mission ahead, heavens above'
Welcome to Fictional Intelligence, the first of a monthly series that explores the future through short stories.
Science & Tech
Pentagon leaders should have more control over services’ tech budgets, GAO suggests
Unsurprisingly, “The Departments of Army, Air Force, and Navy disagreed.”
Defense Systems
Lockheed CEO: Air Force RQ-170 drones used in mission to capture Maduro
Missions for the “Beast of Kandahar” stealth drone are rarely acknowledged, experts say.
Business
Northrop CEO: deal to accelerate B-21 production could arrive in months
Last year’s government shutdown delayed negotiations between the company and service. Another is looming.
Business
Boeing takes $565m hit on KC-46 tanker
Despite the “bad contract,” the company remains optimistic about negotiating future deals.
Threats