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.

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.

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.