Air Force conducts final test of ARRW hypersonic missile, won’t discuss ‘specific’ results
The test’s results could determine the ultimate fate of the Air-launched Rapid Response Weapon, or at least help "further a range of hypersonic programs."
Space Force takes ‘acceptable’ cut to $29.4B in FY25 budget request
Air Force Secretary Frank Kendall explained that the "small decrease in the number for the Space Force" isn't itself quite reflective of reality, as there are mitigating circumstances that lessen the blow.
Air Force wants to retire 250 aircraft as part of $188B FY25 budget request
“We're very, very fixated on being competitive with the pacing challenge [of China],” said Air Force Secretary Frank Kendall. “I think the budget that we've submitted moves us forward — not quite as fast as we would like to, but it moves us forward in the right direction while maintaining current capabilities that are essential to the nation.”
F-22s ‘highest priority’ for near-term fight, Air Force acquisition boss says
Despite disagreements with Boeing on pricing for the E-7A Wedgetail, Air Force acquisition chief Andrew Hunter said officials still see the radar plane "as a capability that makes sense and that we need to field in the near term.”
Take 2: Kratos aims for prime status on second CCA ‘increment’
“So there's a sweet spot for where we can prime it and there's a stretch area. ... What I hope is you see the sweet spot increases and the stretch area is moving to higher” program sizes and complexities, Kratos’s Steve Fendley told Breaking Defense.
Air Force ‘having a hard time’ on E-7 Wedgetail price negotiations with Boeing: Kendall
Development of the Air Force’s first two rapid prototype radar planes proved more difficult than expected, according to acquisition chief Andrew Hunter.
Air Force plans CCA downselect within ‘months,’ second ‘increment’ in FY25: Kendall
International partners could join in on drone development for a next round of CCA work planned for the FY25 budget, according to Air Force Secretary Frank Kendall.
Air Force launches reorganization, as Kendall warns ‘We are out of time’ to match China
Under the "reoptimizing" effort, changes are coming across the Department of the Air Force, from new training approaches to the establishment of high-level offices.
‘A crime’: Air Force’s Kendall blasts congressional budget dysfunction
“This is just crazy,” agreed Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition and Sustainment Bill LaPlante.
How (not) to reorganize the Air Force
After a top Air Force official strongly hinted at coming changes to the Air Force's structure, Adam Lowther and Curtis McGiffin warn that one particular option would be bad news for America's nuclear readiness.
New planes, budget constraints and great power competition: 2024 air preview
The Air Force has big plans for 2024, but lawmakers could throw a wrench into them.
Air warfare in 2023: The year of the drone and the shadow of AI
From more sophisticated systems like the Air Force’s collaborative combat aircraft to cheap kamikaze weapons, the drone had its heyday in 2023 — and promises, coupled with AI, to be a much bigger part of future warfighting.
From a suspected spy balloon to a missing plane: 5 air warfare stories from 2023
"How in the hell do you lose an F-35?"
US Space Command declares ‘full operational capability’
The declaration comes as Congress put a hold on any spending in fiscal year 2024 on a new SPACECOM headquarters building in Colorado Spring, Colo., pending a DoD IQ investigation into President Joe Biden's decision to keep the HQ there.
EXCLUSIVE: 5 companies in early running for Air Force’s CCA drone wingmen
Boeing, General Atomics, Lockheed Martin, Northrop Grumman and startup Anduril are in play to field the Air Force’s collaborative combat aircraft, Breaking Defense has learned.