The Air Force announced Wednesday
that Lackland AFB, Tex., will be the permanent headquarters location for 24th Air Force, the new numbered air force being established under Air Force Space Command to lead the service’s cyber operations. USAF identified Lackland as its preferred headquarters location in May, but by US law, could not make a final determination until it had concluded an analysis of the environmental impact. That analysis, said Kathleen Ferguson, the Air Force’s installation czar, “determined a finding of no significant impact.” Maj. Gen. Richard Webber will assume command of 24th AF later this month. “The standup of this NAF will provide clear lines of authority and responsibility dedicated to cyber operations,” he said.
The Pentagon announced new long-term agreements with four defense companies May 13 to develop and produce large numbers of low-cost cruise missiles. And while the effort will focus mostly on the Army to start, it pairs with Air Force efforts to find more affordable munitions.