Sneak Peek: Anduril Lifts Veil on Its Combat Drone Software

As the Air Force eyes hundreds if not thousands of unmanned Collaborative Combat Aircraft to supplement its manned fighter fleet, startup Anduril offered a rare glimpse at the kind of autonomy software that could undergird CCAs—one human providing relatively simple directions for multiple “robotic wingmen” to execute combat missions.

Austin, Jill Biden Tout New and Improved Benefits for Troops at Maxwell AFB

Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III unveiled a series of new actions intended to improve living standards for U.S. troops and their families during a Sept. 13 visit to Maxwell Air Force Base, Ala. The initiatives include enabling military families to set aside income-tax-free funds for healthcare, get reimbursed for longer stays in temporary quarters during a permanent change of station move, and enhancing benefits for staffs at child development centers on military bases.

Ready Forces in Middle East Deter Iran, Austin Says

The Pentagon still believes Iran presents a threat to Israel and is determined to maintain sufficient forces in the region to deter Iranian aggression, Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III said on a visit to Maxwell Air Force Base, Ala., Sept. 13.

Radar Sweep

Ukrainian Troops Talk of Stiffer Resistance as They Fight in Russian Territory

The New York Times

More than a month after Kyiv launched its incursion into Kursk—sweeping across nearly 500 square miles and capturing around 100 Russian towns and villages in a few short weeks—Russian resistance is stiffening, Ukrainian soldiers interviewed near the border with Russia said as they moved to and from the front last weekend.

Four Islamic State Leaders Killed in August Raid in Iraq, US Says

The Washington Post

Four leaders of the Islamic State were killed by U.S. and Iraqi security forces in a combined raid carried out in western Iraq last month, including the head of the extremist group’s operations in the country, U.S. military officials announced Sept. 13.

SPONSORED: Moody Goes Solar: Schneider Electric Saves USAF Millions with Budget-Neutral Energy Project

Schneider Electric

Schneider Electric completed an $11.2 million task order at Moody Air Force Base, Ga., in 2022 and just two years later, the project is already paying for itself. The upgrades are saving an estimated $700,000 in utility and operational costs per year while improving base-wide energy resiliency and efficiency. Over the 23-year life of the contract, it will save a projected $21 million.

VIDEO: Drones, China, and Lots of Uniforms: What to Expect at AFA 2024

Breaking Defense

Technically, fall doesn’t begin until Sept. 22. But for those in the Air and Space Force community, the changing of the seasons gets officially underway on Sept. 16, when Airmen and Guardians gather at National Harbor, Md., for the annual Air and Space Forces Association conference.

Nearly $6 Billion in Funding for Ukraine Will Expire If Congress Doesn’t Act by the End of the Month

The Associated Press

Nearly $6 billion in U.S. funding for aid to Ukraine will expire at the end of the month unless Congress acts to extend the Pentagon’s authority to send weapons from its stockpile to Kyiv, according to U.S. officials. U.S. officials said the Biden administration has asked Congress to include the funding authority in any continuing resolution lawmakers may manage to pass before the end of the fiscal year on Sept. 30 in order to fund the federal government and prevent a shutdown.

As Air Force Mulls Next-Gen Fighter, Tanker Plans Hang in the Balance

Defense One

The U.S. Air Force’s next-generation tanker was once envisioned as a stealthy, penetrating refueling platform. But that idea is changing, experts and industry sources say, amid competing budget priorities and evolving concepts of how the service will achieve air dominance in the future.

Pentagon Readies for 6G, the Next Wave of Wireless Network Tech

Defense News

Since transitioning most of its 5G research and development projects to the Chief Information Office last year, the Pentagon’s Future Generation Wireless Technology Office has shifted its focus to preparing the Defense Department for the next wave of network innovation.

Growing Pains in US Military’s Satellite Revolution

SpaceNews

In the high-stakes arena of military space technology, the U.S. Space Force’s Space Development Agency is attempting to rewrite the rulebook with a mesh network of interconnected satellites in low-Earth orbit capable of swiftly relaying critical data, including the detection of hypersonic missile threats. But as the project enters its fourth year, SDA’s ambition is colliding with earthbound realities, exposing the challenges of rapid innovation in the aerospace sector.

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Lockheed Martin Warns About F-35 Contract Timing

Aviation Week

Lockheed Martin says timing issues around the next lot of F-35 Joint Strike Fighter production could affect sales and cashflow and may require some reprogramming of funding to avoid disruptions.

Massive Boeing Machinist Strike Hits KC-46 Tanker Production

Defense News

The massive strike by tens of thousands of Boeing machinists in Washington state will affect the company’s work on the KC-46 Pegasus refueling tanker, the company’s chief financial officer Brian West said Sept. 13. West’s comments to the Morgan Stanley Laguna Conference came hours after more than 30,000 union members voted overwhelmingly to reject a contract and go on strike.

One More Thing

Academy Hive Has Cadets Looking Out for Them

U.S. Air Force Academy release

Each season offers a new priority for the U.S. Air Force Academy Beekeeping Club in their care of a hive of 60,000 Italian honeybees in the natural resources office by Falcon Stadium. Soon, they will harvest the hive’s honey. When the weather begins to turn colder, the priority becomes disease control. The work is all worth it in the spring when the cadets see the hive come back to life.