Pentagon taps 25 firms for small, cheap attack drone competition
The Pentagon eventually wants to field swarms of low-cost, one-way attack drones that cost just a few thousand dollars apiece.
Air Warfare
US Air Force eyes inspections, spare parts funding to boost readiness
The Air Force's secretary and chief of staff have made improving readiness a top priority and emphasize it is "commanders' business," Lt. Gen. Pleus said.
US Air Force eyes improved comms with bombers after Midnight Hammer
If the Air Force doesn't improve communications with bombers during critical operations, Lt. Gen. Armagost said, "that is a foul on all of us."
‘Madness’: Italy’s Crosetto slams British secrecy on GCAP fighter jet
“It’s a huge favor to the Russians and the Chinese,” the defense minister told Defense News.
US Air Force looking for contractors to train foreign pilots
The U.S. Air Force is looking for contractors who can train foreign pilots receiving American military aid, according to an Air Force solicitation.
Boeing reports $565M loss on KC-46 as firm looks forward to repricing
Boeing has lost billions of dollars on the KC-46 program, including a new $565 million charge at the end of 2025.
Qatar-gifted Air Force One plane delivery expected this summer
The administration's acceptance of a plane from Qatar to use as a short-term Air Force One has sparked concerns about cost and ethics.
US lawmakers release $839B compromise defense spending bill
The conferenced defense spending bill would increase funding for both the Air Force and Navy's sixth-generation fighters.
Italy faces GCAP warplane price tag topping $21 billion
The tri-national program has been progressing without fanfare, as a new projection for a hefty cost increase is catching lawmakers' attention in Rome.
Grey Wolf helicopter notches first operational mission
Two MH-139A Grey Wolf helicopters completed their first operational mission Jan. 8, escorting a Minuteman III intercontinental ballistic missile convoy.
Lockheed delivered record 191 F-35s as it cleared out TR-3 backlog
The government refused to accept delivery of new F-35s for a year between 2023 and 2024, which led to jets being stockpiled at Lockheed Martin facilities.
Pentagon to invest $1B in L3Harris spinoff rocket motor firm
The Pentagon said its investment will help expand production capacity on critical missile programs like the PAC-3, THAAD, Tomahawk and Standard Missile.
Air Force outlines acquisition changes supporting Hegseth mandate
The new portfolio acquisition executives will oversee vital Air Force programs, such as advanced planes and nuclear command and control.
US Marine Corps taps Northrop, Kratos to build Valkyrie drone wingmen
The U.S. Marine Corps' Valkyries will run using Northrop's autonomous Prism software, and use a sensor and technology package tailored to fit in a drone.
Italy names Sicily air base as first F-35 pilot school outside US
The F-35 Joint Program Office (JPO) and constructor Lockheed Martin will oversee the readying of the training center at Trapani-Birgi Air Base.
US Air Force awards Boeing $2B contract to begin B-52 engine upgrades
The upgrades to the B-52's engines and numerous other systems are so dramatic the Air Force plans to redesignate the Cold War-era bomber the B-52J.
Videos suggest stealthy Air Force drone flew recon for Maduro capture
Videos purportedly show the RQ-170 Sentinel returning to Puerto Rico after the operation to capture Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro.
