Threats
After Niger coup, Air Force looks for other countries to host drone base
Still, ISR operations have resumed from Nigerien sites, the region’s U.S. Air Force commander said.
Threats
Air Force looks to move spy-plane sensors to satellites
Among the draws: space-based gear can often be built and launched faster than aircraft can be modified.
Business
Conference Wire: Air, Space & Cyber 2023, Day 3
New photos of the B-21 got some buzz, but drones—and especially CCAs—were a hot topic.
Science & Tech
B-21 starts engine tests as bomber preps for first flight
Software is ready to go, program officials say, engendering some 'smack talk' with hardware teams.
Defense Systems
B-21: Peep new photos of the Air Force's secretive stealth bomber
Three new images of the bat-winged aircraft are released.
Threats
China, Russia taking ‘batting practice’ in air intercepts of aging US aircraft, general says
Aggressive maneuvers underscore diminishing U.S. advantage, Air Combat Command leader said.
Policy
Some Ukrainian pilots could finish training in as few as three months
Air National Guard director said shorter timeline is “absolutely realistic” for experienced pilots.
Business
Conference Wire: Air, Space & Cyber 2023, Day 2
Speeches by the chiefs of the Air Force and Space Forces were highlights at the giant gathering outside Washington, D.C.
Policy
Senators trade barbs about promotion holds during hearing for Air Force chief nominee
Gen. David Allvin, tapped to replace Gen. CQ Brown as leader of the Air Force, is one of hundreds of officers in limbo.
Threats
Air Force clearing out jungles in Pacific to bolster airfield options
But additional funding for these efforts may be held up by budget impasse on Capitol Hill, Pacific Air Forces commander says.
Defense Systems
Budget delays could ‘slow roll’ Air Force’s digital infrastructure plans
In early 2024, the service plans to launch cloud-based command and control technologies in three undisclosed locations.
Policy
USAF aims to ‘re-optimize’ for great power competition
Kendall dispatches teams to seek better ways to organize to take on China.
Business
Conference Wire: Air, Space & Cyber 2023, Day 1
The Air Force secretary on confronting China and getting nominees through Congress.
Business
Military hopes commercial airlines adopt new hybrid plane design
The head of U.S. Transportation Command says blended wing body designs could provide more efficient, especially if they can fly from existing airports.
Science & Tech
Questions loom as Air Force robot-wingman effort prepares to take flight
Industry execs outline challenges of technology, test and evaluation—and even philosophy.
Business