A “milestone A” decision to get the JSTARS recapitalization program going is expected at the end of this month, Air Force acquisition chief William LaPlante said during a Center for Strategic and International Studies speech in Washington, D.C., on Thursday. What that means is that a “lengthy risk-reduction phase” will get underway, during which USAF will work with industry to find cost-effective solutions. He wants “as many as three teams under contract” doing the risk-reduction work, and from them, one will be chosen to press on into production, which is milestone B. He sees a JSTARS recap contract in three years, but cautioned that he’s “always worried” about funding for the program. Pentagon acquisition chief Frank Kendall insists he will not approve a program go-ahead “if he’s not sure the service has fully funded” a program, especially if sequestration continues to haunt the budget. LaPlante said the program is funded in USAF’s budget … for now. (Watch LaPlante’s speech.) (LaPlante Powerpoint.)
Planning an Air Show Is Hard. At Andrews, It’s Even Harder
Sept. 17, 2025
Joint Base Andrews opened its flightline this month to thousands of civilians, exposing a normally restricted airbase that regularly hosts the president and foreign dignitaries to a curious public eager to see current and historic military aircraft up close and in action.
