Threats
Air Force’s Next-Gen ICBM Program Could Face Delays, Kendall Says
Though the Ground-Based Strategic Deterrent is on track at the moment, Air Force Secretary Frank Kendall isn’t sure it will stay there.
Science & Tech
Robot Rescue? Air Force Seeks New Way to Recover Downed Troops
The CSAR helicopters it’s currently buying can’t handle the mission in a conflict with China, officials say.
Business
Space Force Woos New Launch Bidders—But Startups Aren’t Quite Ready
Established giants are likely to win the first contracts awarded under a novel “two-lane” approach.
Policy
US Space Command Wants Red Phones With China, Russia
Global norms and mil-to-mil hotlines are urgently needed as the prospects for war in space rise.
Business
The Pentagon Is Increasingly Relying on Billionaires’ Rockets. And It’s OK with That.
Space Force leaders say carefully written contracts can prevent things like SpaceX’s about-face on Ukrainian satcomms.
Policy
Tighten Access to Classified Info, Air Force Secretary Says
As the Pentagon responds to a classified document leak, officials should focus on enforcing “need to know,” according to Frank Kendall.
Ideas
Space Symposium Conference Wire 2: New Capabilities, Threats
Day 2 of the Space Symposium brings news of advances at home and abroad.
Business
Space Symposium Conference Wire 1: All About Launches
The country's biggest space-focused conference gets underway in a year that's "all about launches."
Business
Boeing Eyes Summer Flight Tests for Delayed Training Jet, Citing ‘Progress’ on Ejection-Seat Woes
The company says it’s almost ready to test-fly the Air Force’s T-7A Red Hawk, but lawmakers are impatient.
Science & Tech
3 Years or Less: Space Force’s 'Simple Formula' for Quicker Launches
“Our competitors seem to have figured out speed. It’s time we do the same,” said the assistant Air Force secretary for space acquisitions and integration.
Policy
F-22s Marked for Retirement Will Never Be Combat Worthy, General Says
The Air Force hopes Congress will let them get rid of 32 Block 20 F-22s in the 2024 budget.
Policy
As Air Force Tries to Retire Jets, HASC’s Wittman Wants a Gapfiller
The Virginia Republican wants a “tactical interim” capability to arrive while the Air Force awaits its secret NGAD combat aircraft.
Threats
NATO Plans Record Air Exercise as Finland Joins Alliance
Air Defender 2023 exercise will include 100 U.S. aircraft, 2,000 troops, in “largest transatlantic movement” the Air National Guard has ever done.
Threats
Satellite Ground Stations Are Vulnerable, US Warns
The Space Development Agency is beefing up satellite constellations—but keeping an eye on terrestrial attacks.
Policy
Can F-35 Engine Plan Get Foreign OK?
The U.S. Air Force decided to upgrade the existing engine instead of pursuing a new adaptive engine, and will likely talk to partners about the change later this year.
Threats
F-35s Need More Powerful Engines—But How Much More?
The Pentagon says it doesn’t know, and lawmakers have questions.
Threats
Space Force Is Building a Virtual Training Ground for Space Conflict
In an interview, chief of space operations notes China’s efforts to jam and intercept orbiting satellites.
Science & Tech
Failed Hypersonic Test Dims Air Force View of Lockheed Missile
The service had previously disclosed that an ARRW test happened in March, but markedly avoided saying whether it was a success.
Policy
Air Force Wishlist: Accelerate E-7 Production, Extend F-15EX Range, Buy New Radars for F-16s
The service’s “unfunded priorities” list also includes $1.2 billion for 21 military construction projects.
Threats
F-35 Sales Rise as Russian Invasion Grinds On
Air Force general says recent deals show how NATO allies are stepping up as the U.S. focuses on China.
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