Author Archive
Audrey Decker
Staff Writer

Science & Tech
Space Force may use SpaceX satellites instead of developing its own, senator says
The satellites in question are part of the data transport layer of the Space Development Agency’s Proliferated Warfighter Space Architecture.
- Audrey Decker
Business
ULA’s Vulcan cleared for national-security launches
The heavy-lift rocket brings competition to a market dominated by SpaceX.
- Audrey Decker
Defense Systems
Space Force plans to put a multisatellite ‘carrier’ into orbit
Gravitics gets an up-to-$60 million contract to build a satellite that can spit out other satellites as needed.
- Audrey Decker
Threats
The D Brief: Green light for ‘F-47’; 2nd destroyer sent to border; Mapping China’s Taiwan threat; US envoy parrots Kremlin; And a bit more.
- Ben Watson, Bradley Peniston and Audrey Decker
Defense Systems
Boeing wins Air Force’s next-gen fighter contract
The company beat out Lockheed to build NGAD, which has been named the F-47.
- Audrey Decker
Policy
USAF chief seeks bigger budget slice
Looking to align with the new administration's priorities, Gen. Allvin said the service plays a central role in deterrence and protecting the homeland.
- Audrey Decker
Science & Tech
As tanker plans remains uncertain, today’s Air Force refuelers may fly past their 100th birthday
The service may need to look at a service life extension of the KC-135, Air Mobility Command says.
- Audrey Decker
Threats
China is practicing ‘dogfighting’ in space, Space Force says
The capability gap between the U.S. and its competitors has “significantly narrowed.”
- Audrey Decker
Business
Trump’s anti-NATO turn could sink F-35 sales
Allies are questioning their reliance on U.S.-made weapons, experts and former defense officials warn.
- Audrey Decker
Business
General Atomics says it’s ready to pump out up to 18 CCAs per month
The two companies building the robot wingmen get an Air Force designation.
- Audrey Decker
Business
F-35 to get new software this summer—but there’s no date yet for planned full upgrade
Lockheed is hoping to wring out problems this year as the new administration revisits purchase plan.
- Audrey Decker
Threats
‘Extremely lean’ Space Force acquisition units brace for Trump’s workforce cuts
Civilian employees make up about a third of the five-year-old service’s personnel.
- Audrey Decker
Science & Tech
‘No more viable option than NGAD,’ Air Force says as decision rests in new hands
With China unveiling its new sixth-gen designs, the service can do nothing better, officials say.
- Audrey Decker
Policy
Air Force, Space Force chiefs make forceful cases for ‘warrior ethos’
The intense speeches were delivered to a less-than-full ballroom due to Trump-administration travel restrictions.
- Audrey Decker
Threats
Chinese info ops, military sales driving ‘wedges’ between US and partners in the Middle East
Concerns come as the Trump admin slashes USAID—leaving space for more Chinese influence globally.
- Audrey Decker
Policy
The D Brief: Some DOD firings blocked; Consulting, eyed for cuts; SecNav nom speaks; DOGE in the food court; And a bit more.
- Bradley Peniston and Audrey Decker
Policy
Pentagon’s 8-percent budget shift could be ‘painful’ for the Air Force
But there’s still “hope” because the overall topline won’t be cut, and the service will be “a big part” of the future fight, an official said.
- Audrey Decker
Defense Systems
Space Force sets up team to sort out support for ‘Iron Dome’—that is, ‘Golden Dome’
The service will be “central” to the effort to build a next-gen missile shield, Gen. Saltzman says.
- Audrey Decker
Policy
Bloodbath: Joint Chiefs chair, CNO, Air Force vice chief, three top JAGs to be replaced
Trump, Hegseth announce plans to oust several of the military’s top officers amid larger DEI purge.
- Audrey Decker and Bradley Peniston
Business
Musk is helping remove ‘constraints’ to speed up Air Force One delivery: Boeing CEO
The company has lost billions on the presidential jets, which are years behind schedule.
- Audrey Decker