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.
Policy
Hegseth seeks to shift $50 billion in FY26 budget proposal
Money for “so-called ‘climate change’ and other woke programs” would move to Trump priorities.
Policy
Uncertainty mounts at Space Development Agency as Air Force IG prepares probe
The unexpected sidelining of its director raises questions about the future of the satellite-acquisition “constructive disruptor.”
Business
Space Force warns industry on cost overruns
The service will convert pricey programs to fixed-price contracts if needed, an official said.
Defense Systems
Air Force has halted work on parts of its ICBM program
Work on the Sentinel command and launch segment is on hold due to “evolving” requirements, officials say.
Policy
Hegseth puts Air Force reorganization on hold
Service chief Gen. David Allvin previously emphasized the need to move out quickly.
Policy
Navy pauses sexual-assault prevention and response training
The SAPR program is still active, but training has been halted to check for compliance with new executive orders.
Policy
Marines aim to buy more carrier-based F-35s, fewer VTOLs
Corps’ new aviation plan also expands squadrons—but not UAV-buying plans.
Ideas
Defense One Radio, Ep. 172: The Air Force's force-design leader
Maj. Gen. Joseph Kunkel discusses his how his service's modernization strategy will shape the future of air combat in an increasingly complex security landscape.
Science & Tech
The F-35 program’s software development isn’t getting any better, Pentagon report finds
A new report from the top DOD weapons tester noted the program can’t "simultaneously" fix multiple software problems.
Business
Full F-35 upgrade package might not happen this year, Lockheed says
The company also reported $2B in losses in 2024 on classified programs in its fourth-quarter earnings call.
Policy
Air Force promises it’s ‘faithfully’ executing Trump’s orders
Gen. Allvin aimed to “dispel a rumor” regarding the removal of training materials related to Tuskegee Airmen and WASPs.
Policy
Air Force shutters quality of life working groups as Trump takes over the Pentagon
The groups had remained active, and even expanded, during Trump’s first term.
Threats
Pilot shortage: new report calls for more Air Force fighters and larger Reserve
The Mitchell Institute report comes after Air Force Chief Gen. Allvin publicly called for a beefier Air Force.
Business
Boeing’s defense unit to eat $1.7 billion in fourth quarter
Fixed-price contracts continue to torment the aerospace giant.
Threats
Pentagon sending 1,500 troops to southern border, USAF planes on deportation flights
Defense officials did not rule out arming troops on the border, but left that up to the discretion of NORTHCOM.
Business