Andrew Hunter Archives

Next-generation air dominance and CCA drone concept art (Lockheed Martin image)

Can industry deliver for Replicator? ‘It depends,’ Pentagon acquisition chief says

The Department of Defense has ambitious plans to field thousands of autonomous systems in the next 18 to 24 months, as part of its Replicator initiative to…

Sep 12, 2023 By Jon Harper

Staff Sgt. Anthony Sullivan and Airman 1st Class Michael Dupre clean computers with an air pressure machine in Southwest Asia, March 19, 2012. To better support base communication needs, the 380th Expeditionary Communications Squadron ordered more than 200 used computers from bases that closed within the Air Forces Central area of responsibility. Before being issued, they were cleaned and checked to be in compliance with the wing’s network standards. (U.S. Air Force photo/Tech. Sgt. Arian Nead)

Air Force grappling with budgetary implications of enterprise IT as a service

An aim of the multibillion-dollar EITaaS program is to outsource basic information-technology efforts to free up airmen for other tasks.

Jul 21, 2023 By Jon Harper

Air Force acquisition executive Andrew Hunter briefs the media at AFA’s Warfare Symposium, March 6, 2023. (Photo by Brandi Vincent)

Air Force acquisition chief outlines new approach for more survivable, better networked next-gen tankers

The technologies envisioned for NGAS will likely have more self-protection and networking features — and will also have the “ability to go deeper into contested airspace,” Andrew…

Mar 7, 2023 By Brandi Vincent

Master Sgt. John Malloy and Staff Sgt. Jacob Puente secure the AGM-183A Air-launched Rapid Response Weapon Instrumented Measurement Vehicle 2 as it is loaded under the wing of a B-52H Stratofortress at Edwards Air Force Base, California, Aug. 6, 2020. (Air Force photo by Giancarlo Casem)

‘Extremely aggressive’ schedule set for next phase of ARRW hypersonic weapons testing

The program is about to move into what officials call “all-up-round testing.”

Aug 15, 2022 By Jon Harper

An Air Force Research Lab conceptual design for an Unmanned Combat Aerial Vehicle (Artwork courtesy of AFRL)

Air Force still fleshing out acquisition strategy for NGAD robotic wingmen

Plans for the highly classified Next-Generation Air Dominance (NGAD) initiative include a new manned stealth fighter that would team with new autonomous drones or “collaborative combat aircraft."

Jun 24, 2022 By Jon Harper