CCA fighter wingmen drones won’t be ‘attritable,’ despite ‘common misconception’: General

CCA fighter wingmen drones won’t be ‘attritable,’ despite ‘common misconception’: General
CCA fighter wingmen drones won’t be ‘attritable,’ despite ‘common misconception’: General

The drones will provide an “affordable mass” to augment the lethality of fighters. Air Force Secretary Frank Kendall says they need to be a “fraction” of the cost of the F-35.

Shield AI, Boeing ink agreement to push AI, autonomous development

Shield AI, Boeing ink agreement to push AI, autonomous development
Shield AI, Boeing ink agreement to push AI, autonomous development

The two companies signed a memorandum of understanding this week “to explore strategic collaboration in the areas of autonomous capabilities and artificial intelligence on current and future defense programs.”

Space Force’s INDOPACOM unit to embed allies to help deter China

Space Force’s INDOPACOM unit to embed allies to help deter China
Space Force’s INDOPACOM unit to embed allies to help deter China

China’s growing number of intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance satellites are “designed to find, fix, track and target US forces and allied forces. They’re designed to help kill sailors, airmen, soldiers, and Marines,” said Brig. Gen. Anthony Mastalir, head of the Space Force’s Indo-Pacific component command.

Space Force chief outlines 3-part ‘competitive endurance’ theory aimed at ‘space superiority’

Space Force chief outlines 3-part ‘competitive endurance’ theory aimed at ‘space superiority’
Space Force chief outlines 3-part ‘competitive endurance’ theory aimed at ‘space superiority’

In a “Commander’s Note” dated March 3, obtained by Breaking Defense, Saltzman argues that the need for space superiority in the face of adversary threats is a key reason the Space Force was created.

Next gen numbers: Air Force plans first ‘nominal’ buy of 200 NGAD fighters, 1,000 drone wingmen

Next gen numbers: Air Force plans first ‘nominal’ buy of 200 NGAD fighters, 1,000 drone wingmen
Next gen numbers: Air Force plans first ‘nominal’ buy of 200 NGAD fighters, 1,000 drone wingmen

Service acquisition chief Andrew Hunter said the initial tranche of collaborative combat aircraft wingmen are “very much within grasp,” with capability expected to be delivered by the end of the decade.

In Ukraine fight, integrated air defense has made many aircraft ‘worthless’: US Air Force general

In Ukraine fight, integrated air defense has made many aircraft ‘worthless’: US Air Force general
In Ukraine fight, integrated air defense has made many aircraft ‘worthless’: US Air Force general

Highly adept Ukrainian and Russian air defenses have mutually denied air superiority, a problem particularly acute for close air support missions. “Both of their integrated air and missile defense, especially when you’re talking about going against aircraft, have been very effective,” Gen. James Hecker said.

Air Force leans towards buying 75 more KC-46As instead of competing KC-Y

Air Force leans towards buying 75 more KC-46As instead of competing KC-Y
Air Force leans towards buying 75 more KC-46As instead of competing KC-Y

Air Force acquisition chief Andrew Hunter indicated he was leaning toward buying 75 more KC-46A tankers as a bridge to an accelerated next-gen program.

Pentagon, Pratt finalize F-35 lot 15-17 engine deal

Pentagon, Pratt finalize F-35 lot 15-17 engine deal
Pentagon, Pratt finalize F-35 lot 15-17 engine deal

The agreement started as an undefinitized contract action in June 2022. The total value could reach as high as $8 billion.

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Real threats require real solutions: Boeing’s E-7 answers the call

Real threats require real solutions: Boeing’s E-7 answers the call
Real threats require real solutions: Boeing’s E-7 answers the call

Through its open systems architecture and agile software development, the E-7 provides rapid, affordable capability growth to remain a critical asset as threats evolve.

DARPA moves General Atomics’ ‘LongShot’ drone pitch to phase 2

DARPA moves General Atomics’ ‘LongShot’ drone pitch to phase 2
DARPA moves General Atomics’ ‘LongShot’ drone pitch to phase 2

DARPA envisions a plane launching a drone, which in turn can launch its own weapons.

Sweden to investigate C-130H replacement options after ‘quotation from industry’ thrown out

Sweden to investigate C-130H replacement options after ‘quotation from industry’ thrown out
Sweden to investigate C-130H replacement options after ‘quotation from industry’ thrown out

Stockholm had previously planned on carrying out a mid-life upgrade to extend the life of the C-130H fleet out to 2030, before deciding on the Italian second hand aircraft plan.

JPO directive orders F-35 retrofit to return grounded jets to flight

JPO directive orders F-35 retrofit to return grounded jets to flight
JPO directive orders F-35 retrofit to return grounded jets to flight

The Pentagon grounded what officials say is a small number of F35s following the crash of a Joint Strike Fighter in December. The new hardware addresses the “harmonic resonance” issue officials identified during the investigation into the crash.