Gen. Mike Holmes, head of Air Combat Command, said the U.S. Air Force is considering if the T-X trainer aircraft can be acquired to meet the service’s other requirements like performing light-attack missions or serving as an “aggressor†plane, Defense News reported Thursday.
“You could imagine a version of the airframe that could be equipped as a light fighter. You can imagine a version that is equipped as an adversary air-training platform,†Holmes told reporters at the Air Force Association’s Air Warfare Symposium Thursday. He said whether those considerations will transition to a formal procurement program depends on several factors, including the budget.
In September, the service awarded Boeing a potential $9.2 billion contract to develop up to 475 T-X trainer jets and 120 ground-based training platforms.
Â
Related Articles
Entegris will invest $700 million in U.S. research and development projects over the next several years to advance semiconductor innovation. The company said Thursday the R&D investment will span its materials solutions and advanced purity solutions divisions. “To support the industry’s growth, we have been creating a stronger and more resilient domestic semiconductor ecosystem in the U.S.,” said Dave Reeder, president and CEO of Entegris. “These investments also allow for continued leadership in advanced materials solutions,” he added. The announcement brings the company’s planned investment in domestic R&D and manufacturing initiatives to approximately $1.4 billion. Entegris previously announced a $700
Gen. Stephen Whiting, commander of U.S. Space Command, highlighted the need for greater international cooperation to protect the space domain and urged partner countries to invest in space to improve space security and respond to emerging threats, USSPACECOM reported Thursday. “I encourage the continued investment in space from our partner nations, because we know that our cooperation in space is a strategic advantage that can harness capabilities, capacities, access and strengthen messaging,” Whiting said Wednesday at the South American Defense Conference in Buenos Aires, Argentina. “Your individual strength is a direct challenge to autocratic nations’ careless ambitions.” Join U.S. military
Joseph Francescon has been named the next deputy director and senior civilian leader of the National Security Agency. The NSA said Thursday that in his new role, Francescon will be managing strategy execution, creating policy and overseeing the senior civilian leadership. He will also help shape defense and intelligence policies as well as strengthen the NSA’s role in protecting the U.S. from foreign threats. Don’t miss this upcoming intel networking event! Join the Potomac Officers Club 2025 Intel Summit on Oct. 2 and learn about to use artificial intelligence to your advantage during missions. Commenting on his appointment, Francescon said,