Fleet Decentralization Focus For AF Budget Beyond 2023
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.
2021: Air Force’s Nuke Mod Efforts Service’s Biggest Challenge
"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 .
The state of play in military space
The military space sector is evolving fast. Get the latest from Space Force and industry officials on what’s next for acquisition, policy and training in a new Breaking Defense eBook.
AI Copilot Based On Gaming Software Takes Flight
"For flying an instrument approach, having an AI copilot makes sense," says retired general 'Hawk' Carlisle, former head of Air Combat Command.
Eye On Arctic, Congress Pushes More C-130Js; Including Ski Planes
"The C-130 has been the most plus-upped aircraft in history," says Teal Group's Richard Aboulafia.
Scrap Old Planes Or ‘Risk Losing High-End Fight:’ CSAF Brown
"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.
Air Force Flight Tests B-21 Avionics; Program ‘On Right Track’
"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."
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Data overload threatens decisionmakers as autonomy expands
Reducing cognitive overload on warfighters while improving “time to trust” for autonomous systems is a matter of design.
AF Tests F-35, Stealth Fleet For Integrated Electronic Warfare
"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.
SOCOM Multi-Mission Plane Competition Heats Up
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.
COVID-19: Farnborough Cancellation Another Blow For Defense Biz
"Looking ahead, defense acquisition is in uncharted territory," says Air Force acquisition head Will Roper of the effects of the COVID-19 virus.
Air National Guard F-16s First To Fly Fifth-Gen Radar
The radar upgrade is aimed at countering Russian cruise missiles.
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Meeting Zero Trust goals while maintaining information dominance
Balancing security and access to data are critical to providing users with trustworthy, reliable data for real-time decisions.
Boeing CEO Out; Systemic Problems May Remain
Boeing's military programs have been affected by "under-prioritizing engineering resources," says Teal Group's Richard Aboulafia.
Lockheed ‘Seizes High Ground’ With Second Hypersonics Deal
“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."
US, Japan Sign Arms Trade Pact: Missile Defense Co-Production & More
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 […]