Troy Meink

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.

‘Not an option’: Top Senate defense appropriator says third reconciliation bill unlikely

Two top appropriators — Sens. Mitch McConnell and Susan Collins — expressed doubt that a third reconciliation bill with defense funding will pass.

DAF study finds new space launch site ‘probably’ required

Lt. Gen. David Miller, Space Force deputy for Strategy, Plans, Programs and Requirements, said on Tuesday that the service alone is looking at some 1,000 launches between fiscal 2027 and 2031.

Air Force eyes massive boost for F-15EX fleet

The service’s fiscal 2027 budget shows boosts for other aircraft like the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter, while slowing retirements of platforms like the A-10 Warthog.

Air Force secretary eyes multi-year deals for satellites, aircraft

Pentagon officials are seeking lawmakers’ authorization to buy weapon systems through multi-year deals “across the board, not only with munitions, but actually with the production of aircraft, with the production of spacecraft,” said Air Force Secretary Troy Meink.

9 firms win orbital AMTI deals, Space Force says

The Space Force did not disclose when the contracts were awarded or their individual dollar values.

Air Force kicks off AMTI program with competition for first ‘increment’

Awards will be issued “fairly shortly” for the first operational satellites that can track aircraft and from space, according to Air Force Secretary Troy Meink. 

Space Force plans to establish HQ staff group as surrogate Futures Command

CSO Gen. Chance Saltzman has signed a memo, obtained by Breaking Defense, initiating the creation of SF/S9 to coordinate future force planning. However, the change has yet to be approved by Air Force Secretary Troy Meink.

‘Ringleader’: Department of Air Force to start all-encompassing sensor fusion experiments

Separately, Air Force Secretary Troy Meink said the Air Force will continue work on two rapid prototypes for the E-7 Wedgetail, though he did not appear to fully commit to the program.

Air Force ramps up B-21 Raider production capacity, aims for 2027 delivery

A $4.5 billion spending boost for the B-21 program outlined by lawmakers as part of the 2025 reconciliation package will help fund the accelerated production.

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 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.

Air Force (mostly) ditches Biden-era ‘reoptimization’

New leadership under the Trump administration has opted to kill key organizational changes sought by former Air Force Secretary Frank Kendall, leaving just a handful of initiatives intact.