Defense Systems

Next launch of SDA’s satellite constellation pushed to spring

Officials originally planned to begin launching in September, but production has lagged.

  • Audrey Decker
Threats

The D Brief: ATACMS use in Russia?; Undersea cable cut in the Baltic; US-Philippine defense pact; Shipyard reform for US subs; And a bit more.

  • Ben Watson and Audrey Decker
Threats

The D Brief: Biden green lights ATACMS for Kursk; SecDef Austin in Australia; Trump stands by Hegseth; Reed, Shaheen request Musk probe; And a bit more.

  • Ben Watson and Audrey Decker
Business

How the Air Force is revamping acquisition to prepare for a Pacific fight

Industry needs to focus on building “best of breed in missions systems,” officials say.

  • Audrey Decker
Business

Air Force ordering more robot wingmen for its experimentation unit

Acquisition chief says he’s signed off on buying additional prototype drones for the service’s Collaborative Combat Aircraft program.

  • Audrey Decker
Policy

HASC chair: Trump will move Space Command HQ to Alabama immediately

The command has been based in Colorado since it was formed in 2019.

  • Audrey Decker
Business

Air Force waits for tankers in wake of Boeing strike

Workers voted Monday night to resume work, but there’s no word yet on when KC-46 production might resume.

  • Audrey Decker
Threats

Hundreds of National Guard troops are activated or on standby ahead of Election Day

States are preparing for all possibilities as U.S. intelligence agencies warn of potential civil unrest.

  • Audrey Decker
Science & Tech

Air Force hedges on next-gen tanker plans

Plans for USAF future aircraft programs look too pricey, service secretary says.

  • Audrey Decker
Business

New solid-rocket maker aims to start production next year

Ursa Major says 3D printing will help deliver missile motors more quickly and cheaply than today’s players.

  • Audrey Decker
Threats

That F-35 that flew on after the pilot ejected? 'Pilot error' blamed

But investigators also noted multiple “aircraft electrical and display malfunctions” ahead of the crash.

  • Audrey Decker
Policy

Military services upping recruiting goals after rebound in 2024

Recruitment numbers are looking better after more recruiters are getting into communities.

  • Audrey Decker
Policy

Space Force’s effort to bring in new launch providers hasn’t worked yet. Officials aren’t surprised.

SpaceX won the first set of launches in Lane 1 of NSSL Phase 3 competition.

  • Audrey Decker
Business

Northrop expecting next B-21 production award by year's end

But the company is still losing $1.2B on the first five production lots.

  • Audrey Decker
Business

Boeing will look to ‘do less and do better’: CEO

Defense and commercial aircraft will remain at the company’s core, but “some things on the fringe” might have to go.

  • Audrey Decker
Threats

F-35 tech problems, protracted negotiations hit Lockheed finances

Officials also seemed to back off its goal of finishing the TR-3 upgrade by next spring.

  • Audrey Decker
Threats

F-35s still missing readiness goals, despite rising spending

The F-35 Joint Program Office’s “war on readiness” has yielded only small improvements since it was launched last year.

  • Audrey Decker
Business

Northrop aims to double GMLRS rocket-motor output

Multiyear effort will help Pentagon rebuild stockpiles.

  • Audrey Decker
Breaking News Business

RTX will pay almost $1B for defrauding DOD, allegedly bribing Qatari official

That’s on top of the $200 million levied in August for illegal exports to China and elsewhere.

  • Audrey Decker
Business

Bell presses on with FLRAA as Army cools on large programs

Service officials are banking on the future rotorcraft for a new air assault concept.

  • Audrey Decker
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