Policy
Mission systems sold separately: Air Force debuts ‘next-gen acquisition model’
Service says buying planes’ brains separately will help integrate the entire force.
Threats
Dueling robot wingmen take the stage
Questions of survivability, missions, and sustainment of CCAs still linger.
Defense Systems
The Air Force wants to expand cloud-based comms, official says
Maj. Gen. Luke Cropsey, the service’s top digital infrastructure buyer, said the plan is to scale use over the next year across tactical and operational systems.
Science & Tech
Defense One Radio, Ep. 163: The 2024 Air, Space & Cyber conference
Audrey Decker explains some of the top developments out of this year's AFA conference outside Washington.
Defense Systems
This ‘cloud in a box’ could save Air Force maintainers years of paperwork
The Air Force has been developing a portable data center that can hold maintenance and sustainment docs for every plane the service has—in a container the size of a window air conditioner.
Policy
Air Force braces for new nuclear-war scenarios
With more nuclear players and weapons around the world, U.S. forces need to be ready, a top service leader says.
Science & Tech
AFSOC still wants 75 light attack aircraft despite Congress’ doubts
“The world's changed a little bit,” the top Air Force special operator says.
Threats
Test B-21 flying up to twice a week, Northrop reports
Meanwhile, the Air Force has released its first-ever footage of the bomber in flight.
Threats
Air Force’s Ospreys will return to forward-deployment within 'weeks'
The tiltrotor aircraft’s flying operations have been restricted since March.
Threats
Russia’s hasty mobilization could see more drones crash on NATO territory
European militaries should seek out relatively cheap drone detectors, US Air Europe chief says.
Policy
Lessons from Ukrainian F-16 crash will shape US training: Air Force general
Hecker describes ongoing challenges related to Kyiv’s donated fighter jets.
Defense Systems
AWACS without a plane? Northrop pitches new connect-everything product
NG InSight is a “toolbox” to integrate sensors, off-board computing, and more.
Defense Systems
Air Force wants NGAD to cost no more than an F-35. Is that even possible?
Secretary Frank Kendall remained confident his service will field one more manned fighter.
Threats
China’s aggressive regional moves open doors for the US, PACAF chief says
Allies and potential partners are watching “with incredibly clear eyes,” Schneider said.
Business
Boeing workers strike will hit Pentagon programs
KC-46, P-8 facilities affected in what was already expected to be another down quarter, company officials say.
Science & Tech
As Air Force mulls next-gen fighter, tanker plans hang in the balance
Plans for a stealthy new refueling aircraft look unaffordable—and, perhaps, unnecessary.
Business