Business
War and uncertainty shape Farnborough expectations
Under the buzz of big contracts, expect quiet conversations about allied production, industrial supply chains, and the future of NATO.
Policy
New ICBM effort won’t slow down despite pledges to ‘restructure’ as costs balloon
Air Force says problems lie less with the Sentinel missile and more with its supporting infrastructure.
Science & Tech
Meet the Air Force’s secretive long-range drone that flies for days
The robot surveillance aircraft can fly for 80 hours without refueling.
Threats
ULA owners add ‘review team’ after Pentagon airs concerns about launch schedule
CEO also announces payload change for Vulcan’s upcoming certification flight.
Policy
Air Force fires head of Sentinel ICBM program
Spokesman says Col. Charles Clegg's removal "is not directly related" to the program's ballooning costs.
Science & Tech
Space Command renews call for ways to refuel satellites in orbit
Despite others’ reservations, commander says U.S. space assets need to be able to outrun adversaries.
Business
The price of each B-21 bomber is likely going up
The Air Force has agreed to a higher cost ceiling after Northrop took a loss on fixed-price lots.
Science & Tech
Two startups join forces to make self-flying tankers, dogfighting AI, and more
Merlin Labs, which aims to test an AI-powered KC-135 within a year, is to buy F-16 AI driver EpiSci.
Policy
What will happen to the Air Force’s next-gen fighter jet?
The service may be waffling on NGAD because it’s dealing with a “truly miserable choice,” one analyst said.
Business
Blue Origin cleared to bid on national-security launches
But Bezos-owned rocket firm is the only newcomer in a $5.6B contract pool that had been intended to foster competition.
Threats
Is NGAD slipping off the table? Air Force chief declines to confirm plans to build next-gen fighter
“We're going to have to make those choices” in the next few years, Gen. Allvin says at an AFA event.
Threats
V-22s won’t return to full flight operations until mid-2025
But some lawmakers are worried about the Osprey flying at all.
Science & Tech
Air Force tests AI-designed, 3D-printed drones
Qatar-based Task Force 99 is also eyeing a new U.S. component.
Policy
As new ICBMs' cost soars, a few lawmakers are trying to rein it in
A congressional working group on nuclear arms will hold a hearing in July on the budget-busting program.
Policy
House defense bills on collision course over F-35, second sub
Appropriators would boost, not cut, jet purchases, and hew to the Navy’s submarine-building plan.
Business
Pentagon looks beyond primes for cheaper drones
The Air Force and DIU say non-traditional contractors offer “the best chance” for inexpensive mass production.
Threats
Air Force unit resumes intel ops after Discord leak
Jack Teixeira's former group went through “recertification” before it could continue its mission.
Threats
F-35 crash shrinks a tiny test fleet under stress
Congress and GAO were already worried about having enough test jets to handle planned upgrades.
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