The Space and Missile Systems Center at Los Angeles AFB, Calif., has asked for information by Nov. 17 to support concept development of the Air Force’s rapid attack identification, detection, and reporting system—just call it RAIDRS. The RAIDRS block 20 version, formally Spiral 2, will gather data from intelligence and space assets to provide defensive counterspace—from situational awareness through options to respond to threats. SMC expects the preliminary design phase for RB-20 to begin in Fiscal 2009, but, first, there will be concept development awards in mid-2007. (Read more about counterspace in our June 2006 article.)
Amid NATO’s continued push to ramp up air defenses in Eastern Europe, Secretary of the Air Force Frank Kendall swung by seven allied countries to boost relations last week, including those on Russia’s and Ukraine’s doorstep.