DefenceTalkDeputy Defense Secretary Bob Work delivered the keynote speech yesterday in Arlington, Virginia, at an inaugural conference of the China Aerospace Studies Institute, or CASI, newly established by the Air Force and RAND Corp. The institute’s focus is on China, which Work called a rising power that’s experiencing a growing economy and increased military technical […]https://www.defencetalk.com/institute-to-help-us-meet-china-aerospace-challenge-64650/

DefenceTalkDYESS AFB, Texas: On May 18, the last of two 337th Test and Evaluation Squadron B-1B Lancers returned to Dyess from a training mission to Andersen Air Force Base, Guam, during which the B-1’s Block-16 upgrade and inertial navigation system replacement (INS-R) were evaluated on long-duration and trans-hemispheric sorties. The primary purpose of these sorties […]https://www.defencetalk.com/337th-tes-operationally-tests-b-1s-block-16-ins-r-in-asia-pacific-64401/

DefenceTalkLOS ANGELES AFB: Lieutenant General Samuel Greaves, Commander of the Air Force Space and Missile Systems Center (SMC) and Air Force Program Executive Officer for Space, has announced the certification of Space Exploration Technologies Corporation’s (SpaceX) Falcon 9 Launch System for national security space missions. SpaceX is now eligible for award of qualified national security […]https://www.defencetalk.com/spacex-certified-for-us-national-security-space-missions-64330/

DefenceTalkEnding America’s reliance on the Russian-built RD-180 rocket engine was the primary topic of conversation during a hearing with the Senate Armed Services Committee, Subcommittee on Strategic Forces, April 29. Changes to the space industry over the last 10 years have Air Force leaders optimistic about the future of the space enterprise, and the ability […]https://www.defencetalk.com/us-air-force-focuses-on-assured-access-to-space-64106/

DefenceTalkMembers of the 317th Airlift Group from Dyess Air Force Base, Texas, flew to Pope Army Airfield April 7, to participate in Combined Joint Operational Access Exercise 15-01. The exercise takes place multiple times each year to certify the Air Force and Army’s ability to deploy strategic airlift, contingency and support forces in a large […]https://www.defencetalk.com/air-force-army-coalition-partners-showcase-strategic-airlift-capabilities-63949/

DefenceTalkThe KC-46 acquisition cost estimate has declined by about 5.4 percent from $51.7 billion to $48.9 billion since February 2011 and the program is on track to meet performance goals. Most of the estimated cost decline is due to fewer than expected engineering changes and changes in military construction plans. The Air Force delayed the […]https://www.defencetalk.com/kc-46-tanker-aircraft-costs-drop-5-but-key-flight-capability-testing-lags-behind-63799/

DefenceTalkWhen one door closes at the Warner Robins Air Logistics Complex regarding aviation modernization, that same door swings open for another opportunity. In the 562nd Aircraft Maintenance Squadron, maintainers have completed a complex avionics and weather radar modernization package, referred to as BLOCK 16, with the final C-17 Globemaster set to fly home this month. […]https://www.defencetalk.com/us-air-force-complete-c-17-avionics-weather-radar-upgrades-63582/

DefenceTalkChina’s air force will soon commission the J-10B fighter jet, the most advanced military aircraft the country has ever developed on its own, information released by military observers show. Several pictures showing 14 of the planes lined up outside an unidentified aircraft factory have been circulating on military websites. Experts said their gray paint scheme […]https://www.defencetalk.com/chinese-air-force-nears-introduction-of-j-10b-fighter-63327/

DefenceTalkThe U.S. Air Force deployed 12 A-10 Thunderbolt II aircraft and approximately 300 Airmen as part of a theater security package to the 52nd Fighter Wing, Spangdahlem Air Base, Germany, in support of Operation Atlantic Resolve this week. The aircraft and Airmen, from the 355th Fighter Wing, Davis-Monthan AFB, Ariz., and are set to be […]https://www.defencetalk.com/first-air-force-theater-security-package-deploys-to-europe-62912/

DefenceTalke of the most visible symbols of the United States of America and the office of the president of the United States,” James said. “The Boeing 747-8 is the only aircraft manufactured in the United States (that), when fully missionized, meets the necessary capabilities established to execute the presidential support mission, while reflecting the office […]https://www.defencetalk.com/us-air-force-identifies-boeing-747-8-platform-for-next-air-force-one-62304/