Air Warfare

Long-range missile defense radar ready to ‘plug in’ at NORTHCOM within ‘months’

Long-range missile defense radar ready to ‘plug in’ at NORTHCOM within ‘months’
Long-range missile defense radar ready to ‘plug in’ at NORTHCOM within ‘months’

The LRDR not only will improve ballistic missile tracking for homeland defense, but also will contribute to space domain awareness, said Northern Command’s Director of Operations Brig. Gen. Joey Lestorti.

PLA patrols, missile launches ‘new normal’ for Taiwan

PLA patrols, missile launches ‘new normal’ for Taiwan
PLA patrols, missile launches ‘new normal’ for Taiwan

“In the future, Chinese missiles may well REGULARLY overfly Taiwan,” says China expert Dean Cheng. “Thereby increasing tension, increasing pressure on the island. All of which, in the CCP’s estimation, will make Taipei knuckle under.”

After Tunisian president’s power grab, are Western defense deals in doubt?

After Tunisian president’s power grab, are Western defense deals in doubt?
After Tunisian president’s power grab, are Western defense deals in doubt?

The US has criticized the “erosion” of democracy in the North African nation, but hasn’t said it would cancel or curtail aircraft sales.

‘We’re not going to take the bait:’ DoD downplays China escalation around Taiwan

‘We’re not going to take the bait:’ DoD downplays China escalation around Taiwan
‘We’re not going to take the bait:’ DoD downplays China escalation around Taiwan

The Pentagon’s top policy official also refuted reports claiming that US officials now believe China could invade Taiwan by 2024.

Angry Kitten electronic attack pod bares its claws during Air Force tests

Angry Kitten electronic attack pod bares its claws during Air Force tests
Angry Kitten electronic attack pod bares its claws during Air Force tests

During a series of flight tests in April, the Air Force added new electronic attack techniques to the Angry Kitten Combat Pod on a daily basis.

As China launches missiles and makes threats, Pacific nations keeping a cool head

As China launches missiles and makes threats, Pacific nations keeping a cool head
As China launches missiles and makes threats, Pacific nations keeping a cool head

“The level of distrust is the highest it has been in 50 years,” said Bonnie Glaser, China expert at the German Marshall Fund. “Both sides have an enormous stake in stopping the downward spiral, and perhaps this will be a wakeup call that they need to do so.”

‘And we will do that’: NRO, SPACECOM still fleshing out ‘strategies’ during conflict

‘And we will do that’: NRO, SPACECOM still fleshing out ‘strategies’ during conflict
‘And we will do that’: NRO, SPACECOM still fleshing out ‘strategies’ during conflict

NRO Director Chris Scolese said that he and Air Force Secretary Frank Kendall are going to “tighten” the relationship between NRO and the Space Force on ISR.

Israel to spend $150 million on laser defenses, after US hesitation

Israel to spend $150 million on laser defenses, after US hesitation
Israel to spend $150 million on laser defenses, after US hesitation

Sources said Israel had hoped Biden’s visit would be an opportunity to convince the US to pitch in its own cash.

State Department approves $5 billion in missile defense for UAE, Saudi Arabia

State Department approves $5 billion in missile defense for UAE, Saudi Arabia
State Department approves $5 billion in missile defense for UAE, Saudi Arabia

Any missile defense capabilities heading to the region are notable in the wake of a new agreement between Israel and a number of Arab nations around missile defense.

L3Harris Sky Warden attack plane wins SOCOM’s Armed Overwatch program

L3Harris Sky Warden attack plane wins SOCOM’s Armed Overwatch program
L3Harris Sky Warden attack plane wins SOCOM’s Armed Overwatch program

L3 Harris could produce up to 75 AT-802U Sky Warden aircraft to replace US Special Operations Command’s U-28 Draco.

US Army successfully tests Iron Dome at White Sands Missile Range

US Army successfully tests Iron Dome at White Sands Missile Range
US Army successfully tests Iron Dome at White Sands Missile Range

The Israeli-made system successfully knocked down cruise missile threats during the testing run by the US Army.

It’s time for a US-EU industrial strategy on China – even if it costs industry.

It’s time for a US-EU industrial strategy on China – even if it costs industry.
It’s time for a US-EU industrial strategy on China – even if it costs industry.

“If the US and Europe are going to be on the same page when challenging China’s geopolitical goals, they must ensure that their industrial bases are, too,” write the authors of this new op-ed.

NRO, Air Force may co-fund future space-based ISR tech: Kendall

NRO, Air Force may co-fund future space-based ISR tech: Kendall
NRO, Air Force may co-fund future space-based ISR tech: Kendall

Amid lawmaker concerns about turf tussles, Air Force Secretary Frank Kendall and NRO Director Chris Scoloese have an “informal agreement” to “work cooperatively to address DoD’s ISR needs from space.”

Navy has completed F-35 ejection seat inspections; Marines at 90 percent

Navy has completed F-35 ejection seat inspections; Marines at 90 percent
Navy has completed F-35 ejection seat inspections; Marines at 90 percent

Earlier on Friday the Air Force announced that the majority of its F-35A jets were grounded to check on the ejection seat issue.