How the Air Force embodies its ‘agile combat employment’ concept depends in part on the future fleet composition — with the F-22’s fate a central question.
By Theresa HitchensDisplay screens are the eyes for maneuver forces needing to command and control
The Army is upfitting vehicles with big 24 or 32-inch displays that present multiple sources of data for a full operational picture.
“Not sure if this is a black swan, but I would not be surprised if the next administration kicks off an internal review of the services’ roles and responsibilities, with an eye toward reducing excessive redundancy in force structure and capabilities,” Mark Gunzinger says
.
“For flying an instrument approach, having an AI copilot makes sense,” says retired general ‘Hawk’ Carlisle, former head of Air Combat Command.
By Theresa Hitchens
“The C-130 has been the most plus-upped aircraft in history,” says Teal Group’s Richard Aboulafia.
By Theresa Hitchens
“His greatest challenge will be to build the coalition in Washington, and particularly on Capitol Hill, that will support new ways of rapidly developing capabilities,” says former Air Force Secretary Heather Wilson.
By Theresa Hitchens
“I know we’re not going to be immune from design flaws,” Air Force RCO head Randy Walden said of the B-21 program. “We’re going to have to work through those, and we’re doing some of that today.”
By Theresa Hitchens
“Many believe that stealth is perishable,” says Teal Group’s Richard Aboulafia, thus increasing the need for suppression of enemy air defenses. Of course, a key requirement for the F-35 is that it can take out advanced air defenses.
By Theresa Hitchens
Answers at the edge: Where to find solutions that connect the battlespace
When it comes to a common operating picture, not everyone needs the same equipment. What they need is the same situational awareness.
SOCOM has budgeted $106 million in 2021 to buy the first five of up to 75 Armed Overwatch aircraft to perform close air support for its troops on the ground, light attack and ISR missions. The planes would replace Air Force Special Operations Command current fleet of U-28 Draco aircraft.
By Theresa Hitchens
“Looking ahead, defense acquisition is in uncharted territory,” says Air Force acquisition head Will Roper of the effects of the COVID-19 virus.
By Theresa Hitchens
The radar upgrade is aimed at countering Russian cruise missiles.
By Theresa Hitchens
Boeing’s military programs have been affected by “under-prioritizing engineering resources,” says Teal Group’s Richard Aboulafia.
By Theresa Hitchens
“All of the fundamental research in hypersonic aerodynamics is United States (work),” said Pentagon R&D chief Mike Griffin. “We did not choose to weaponize the results of that research. Our adversaries have chosen to weaponize it. That’s the challenge. We will respond.”
By Colin Clark
Japan and the US just threw open the door to arms sales between the two longtime allies, something Japan had long resisted. The deal is the latest sign of how fear of a rising China is pushing Japan away from its post-World War II pacifism. Defense Secretary Ashton Carter and his Japanese counterpart Gen Nakatani quietly…
By Sydney J. Freedberg Jr.
