Defense Systems
F-47’s first flight expected in 2028
That’s a year earlier than Air Force officials have previously said Boeing's sixth-gen combat aircraft might take wing.
Business
Anduril blames CCA delay on push for ‘semi-autonomous’ first flight
Air Force officials, who expected the milestone over the summer, now anticipate it by mid-October.
Business
Lockheed’s Skunk Works unveils work on a potential CCA competitor
Officials say multipurpose Vectis drone is to fly by 2027, have “Indo-Pacific” range.
Threats
AFSOC exercise brings concept created for great-power conflict to the Caribbean
Last month, U.S. forces “seized” a St. Croix airport in a demonstration of the Agile Combat Employment maneuver scheme.
Ideas
Returning the Air Force to its expeditionary roots
Agility and innovation helped win WWII. They will be essential for the next conflict.
Threats
Today’s ICBMs may operate until 2050, GAO says
That would be some 15 years longer than the Air Force was planning.
Science & Tech
Air Force debuts pilotless cargo flights in the Pacific
The service incorporated remotely-operated flights into its massive REFORPAC exercise as it aims to make cargo flights cheaper.
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.
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.
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