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Business
Air Force says Qatar jet retrofit will cost less than $400M
Other defense officials have estimated it could be over $1 billion.
Threats
China may own the ‘narrative’ of future conflict if the US crushes the satellite imagery biz: experts
Experts say NRO cuts would hurt public understanding of what adversaries are doing.
Policy
Despite Golden Dome, Space Force budget would shrink again under 2026 spending plan
The White House appears to be pinning its hopes on the one-time reconciliation bill.
Threats
Air Force Reserve faces steep fighter cuts, uncertain future
Plan to eliminate multiple squadrons “takes us out of the fight,” the Reserve’s top general said in a Pentagon interview.
Business
Lockheed pitches pilot-optional F-35
The company is hoping the Pentagon will buy into plans to “supercharge” the F-35.
Policy
Pentagon accepts Qatari jet to use as Air Force One
The Air Force is preparing to award a contract to modify the luxury jet.
Policy
Space Force losing 14% of its civilian workers
That’s more than other military branches, and it means the service will end the year with nearly 1,000 fewer people than expected.
Business
Hegseth to Air Force: Figure out how to modify Qatari jet
Converting the luxury plane into Air Force One could cost more than $1 billion, one senator said.
Policy
Is Trump’s ‘F-55’ fighter jet real?
One former defense official said the president is “very confused.”
Defense Systems
F-47 will have 70% better combat radius than F-22, Air Force says
Infographic says service plans to buy at least 185 of the sixth-gen fighter.
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Threats
Trump’s Qatari Air Force One would pose massive security risks
Treating the aircraft as safe for the commander in chief with just a few modifications is "absurd," one former senior defense official said.
Threats
Boeing says it can deliver Air Force One in 2027—if requirements are relaxed
The Air Force has already lowered security requirements so Boeing can move faster.
Policy
Trump’s F-15 basing decision adds to Air Force’s training troubles
Service already had too few jets to prep pilots.
Business
KC-46 boom-vision upgrade slips to summer 2027
The fresh delay will make RVS 2.0 more than three years late.
Science & Tech
Sentinel ICBM program needs brand-new silos, Air Force says
One expert says the revelation smacks of “mismanagement and incompetence.”
Policy
Trump’s pick for Air Force No. 2 civilian defends past political comments
Democratic lawmakers voiced concern over Lohmeier’s previous calls for “serious consequences” for officials who “hyper-politicized” the military.
Defense Systems
Air Force begins ground testing for CCA program
The service has picked Beale Air Force Base in California as the CCA base.
Defense Systems
Ospreys won’t return to full flight operations until 2026
The program office expects upgraded gearboxes to begin arriving in January.
