US Space Force accelerates acquisition and development of capabilities
Firefly Aerospace’s Alpha FLTA003 carrying the Victus Nox at Vandenberg Space Force Base, California. (Photo: Firefly Aerospace)
The great power competition against China and Russia has been pushing the US Space Force (USSF) towards speeding up its acquisition and development programmes.
The USSF became the newest US service when it was established in December 2019 and has been closely working with government agencies, academia and industry to access cutting-edge solutions.
Some of the branch’s rapid efforts have been related to the use of commercial technologies, as well as the procurement of C2, missile tracking and warning, space data, satellite, surveillance and reconnaissance capabilities.
Gen. B. Chance Saltzman, chief of space operations for the branch, explained that a “significant challenge” given
Already have an account? Log in
Want to keep reading this article?
More from Air Warfare
-
What lessons could Europe learn from air power use in Ukraine?
The use of air power by both sides in the ongoing conflict has been extensively focused on, influencing policy and procurement around the world. But are the lessons from the front line universally applicable, or should other nations be planning for very different scenarios?
-
Paraguayan Air Force receives four A-29 Super Tucano aircraft
Six Super Tucano aircraft were ordered in July 2024, with Paraguay the fifth South American country to add the aircraft to modernise its fleet.
-
Baykar completes Piaggio Aerospace takeover with plans to boost drone production
The takeover of the Italian firm by Baykar solidifies the company’s efforts to forge closer ties with Italian industry, bolsters its partnership with Leonardo to produce UAVs and secures its foothold in Europe.
-
US budget boosts Boeing’s F-15EX with $3.1 billion investment to increase fleet to 129
The F-15EX Eagle II had already been singled out for further funding in January 2025, when it was chosen to replace the A-10 aircraft for the US National Guard.
-
Spain earmarks $1.6 billion for Hurjet trainer aircraft acquisition
Spain’s Defence Minister told the Senate Defense Commission on 27 June of the decision to acquire Turkish Aerospace Industries’ (TAI) trainers as the country seeks to replace its Northrop F-5M aircraft.
-
Leonardo’s Proteus structural tests “nearing completion” ahead of first flight
The company has tested over 15 mission sets for the drone, with the rotorcraft used to demonstrate the viability of armed forces utilising large uncrewed aerial systems’ (UAS) for autonomous missions in the future.