U.S. Air Force – Defense Security Monitor

soldiers look at a tablet during training

U.S. Air Force Awards $950 Million for Advanced Battle Management System Development

June 3, 2020June 3, 2020 - by Shaun McDougall

The U.S. Air Force has awarded development contracts to 28 vendors for its Advanced Battle Management System that could be worth $950 million over five years. The indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contracts allow …

Geopolitics / North America

U.S. Follows Through on Open Skies Treaty Withdrawal

May 26, 2020May 26, 2020 - by Shaun McDougall

The White House has announced the U.S. withdrawal from the Open Skies Treaty. The decision initiates a six-month buffer period before a formal exit takes place. The Open Skies Treaty …

a bomber aircraft is refueled midair above snow-capped mountains

COVID-19 / Defense / Military Aircraft / North America

U.S. Air Force Releases $882 Million for Boeing KC-46As Over COVID-19 Concerns

April 3, 2020April 3, 2020 - by Shaun McDougall

The U.S. Air Force will release $882 million that was being withheld over Boeing KC-46 production problems. The decision was made to provide Boeing with additional cash flow because of …

Defense / Missiles / North America

Congress Repeals Requirement for Conventional Long-Range Standoff Weapon

February 5, 2020February 5, 2020 - by Shaun McDougall

Congress has repealed a requirement for the U.S. Air Force to develop a conventional variant of the Long-Range Standoff (LRSO) air-launched cruise missile. A nuclear LRSO is currently under development …

Defense / Military Aircraft / North America

U.S. Air Force Orders Two Gulfstream C-37B Aircraft

January 31, 2020January 31, 2020 - by Shaun McDougall

The U.S. Air Force has awarded a $127.4 million contract to Gulfstream Aerospace for the delivery of two C-37B aircraft. The contract was awarded using funding from the recently passed …

Defense / Military Space / North America

U.S. Defense Policy Bill Establishes Space Force

December 11, 2019December 11, 2019 - by Shaun McDougall

A new defense policy bill Congress released this week gives the green light to establishing a new Space Force as the sixth Armed Service of the U.S. The new service will fall …

Defense / Military Aircraft / North America

U.S. Air Force Procuring a Limited Number of Light Attack Aircraft

October 29, 2019November 4, 2019 - by Shaun McDougall

The U.S. Air Force released Requests for Proposals on October 24 for a limited number of Textron Aviation AT-6 Wolverine and Sierra Nevada Corp/Embraer A-29 Super Tucano light attack aircraft. …

Defense / Missiles / North America

BAE Systems Awarded $2.7 Billion APKWS Guided Rocket Contract

September 26, 2019September 26, 2019 - by Shaun McDougall

BAE Systems was awarded a $2.7 billion contract from the U.S. Navy for Advanced Precision Kill Weapon System (APKWS) II full-rate production Lots 8-12. This award procures WGU-59/B units to …

Defense / Military Aircraft / North America

U.S. Air Force HH-60W Combat Rescue Helicopter Approved for Low-Rate Initial Production

September 25, 2019November 25, 2019 - by Shaun McDougall

The Sikorsky HH-60W Combat Rescue Helicopter achieved a Milestone C decision from the U.S. Air Force, paving the way for the start of low-rate initial production. The Air Force plans …

aerial tanker refueling a fighter jet above the mountains

Defense / Military Aircraft / North America

U.S. Air Force Awards Contract to Fix KC-46 Boom

August 6, 2019August 6, 2019 - by Shaun McDougall

The U.S. Air Force has awarded Boeing a $55.5 million contract for the redesign of the KC-46A boom telescope actuator. The work is expected to be completed in February 2021. …