Air Force One ‘maxxing,’ CCAs everywhere and GCAP’s future
We break down some of the top news from day one of the Farnborough International Airshow.
Qatari Air Force One will be taken offline for ‘maxed out’ upgrades: Trump
The forthcoming modifications follow concerns that the 747 jumbo jet rapidly modified by defense contractor L3Harris lacked security measures typical for transporting the US president.
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Right sized for the fight, smaller Group 2 drones are solving for the limitations of larger UAS
It’s fuel cells, not batteries, that let Group 2 unmanned VTOLS fulfill many missions of larger Group 3s.
Boeing expects additional cost hit on Air Force One to make 2028 delivery: Defense CEO
“I do expect to see some cost growth there as we come through [final assembly] and we finish off the wiring and the structures, as well as finishing off with certification,” Steve Parker told reporters ahead of Farnborough Airshow this week.
Senate Dems seek Air Force, contractor answers on Qatari-gifted Air Force One conversion
The lawmakers allege they've been "stonewalled" when asked for more detailed information about the controversial "bridge" aircraft.
How L3Harris transformed a Qatari 747 into a new Air Force One plane before July 4
L3Harris modified the jet in 10 months, with 400 employees working 24/7 to deliver the plane by a July 4 deadline, the head of the company's ISR division said.
Trump targets defense giants in Davos as Qatari Air Force One nears takeoff
New on The Weekly Break Out: Trump in Davos, an Air Force One update and how defense contractors' investments stack up.
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How defensive cyber responds to hockey-stick growth of AI-driven threats
Artificial intelligence is reshaping adversarial cyber operations at machine speed, requiring defenders to increase operational tempo while imposing pain and cost.
Qatari 747 to fly as Trump’s Air Force One this summer
The controversial aircraft donated by the Qatari government is set to transport the Commander-in-Chief after less than a year of modification work, according to the Air Force.
How the Air Force is revamping its acquisition shop with new ‘portfolios’
The fresh approach is meant to streamline weapons procurement and cut through bureaucracy, though details like exactly what authorities new Portfolio Acquisition Executives will have are being worked out.
Air Force buying two Lufthansa 747s for delayed Air Force One program
The service is spending $400 million on the pair of jumbo jets for training and spares.
Air Force expects first delivery of delayed Boeing Air Force One jets in ‘mid-2028’
The new date marks some progress for the beleaguered Air Force One program, whose challenges have cost Boeing billions of dollars.
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Networked for the fight: Army aviation’s next advantage
As operating environments grow more complex, Link 16 provides instantaneous, mission-wide connectivity to ensure no aircraft flies alone.
Pentagon creates new role managing B-21, F-47, AF1, ICBM programs
Lt. Gen. Dale White has been nominated for a fourth star in the new role of direct reporting portfolio manager (DRPM) for Critical Major Weapons Systems.
Senate passes $914B defense policy bill after resolving gridlock on amendments
Senators voted 77-20 to approve the National Defense Authorization Act, moving the bill forward on a largely bipartisan basis.
HASC adds funds for Virginia-class subs, Ukraine in FY26 policy bill
Republicans successfully batted down a number of Democratic amendments during the 14-hour markup session.
Boeing hires former Northrop exec to lead Air Force One program
Steve Sullivan, formerly vice president and general manager of Northrop’s strike division, has been tapped to lead Boeing’s VC-25B program, according to an internal email reviewed by Breaking Defense.