“This is a new effort, as the expanded mission now goes beyond a strict MQ-9 replacement,” an AFLCMC spokesperson said. “This endeavor serves to explore concepts that address capability gaps of legacy platforms against increasingly sophisticated threats in denied, contested, and highly contested environments.”
By Theresa Hitchens“I will tell you right now, the MQ-9 is still a very popular platform with the Combatant Commanders,” Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. CQ Brown admitted. “So, it’s not something we can just walk away from.”
By Theresa Hitchens“We’re doing everything in our power to keep efforts going, because we believe … it’s the right way to help design our future force,”acting Air Force acquisition head Darlene Costello says.
By Theresa Hitchens“The whole reason we’re doing this is because the National Defense Strategy talks about the need to do cost effective [counter-terrorism] operations, cost effective irregular warfare,” AFSOC commander Gen. Slife said.
By Paul McLearyThe Air Force intends to get rid of three of its four BACN-equipped EQ-4 Global Hawks, but increase the number of piloted E-11 BACN aircraft through 2026.
By Theresa HitchensThe most overlooked story of 2020, including by this publication, is that having a president largely divorced from making military decisions worked pretty well for the US military.
By Colin ClarkPresident Trump goes after SASC Chairman and Hill ally Jim Inhofe in a tweet, setting up a fight over the defense bill in the waning days of his administration
By Paul McLeary“I don’t think we’re at the position to know both what the demand is, but also where industry is going, what’s the viable way to consider other orbits if we were asked to do,” says Col. Robert Bongiovi, director of SMC’s Space Vehicles Directorate.
By Theresa Hitchens