Air Force cyberwarriors, in an effort to defend the service against computer threats from without, have forged a large number of alliances with like-minded American organizations (see above). Lt. Gen. Robert Elder told AFA’s Eaker Institute that there is “a critical need for partnerships.” One major link connects USAF with the National Security Agency, the ultra-secretive cryptologic and signals intelligence organization at Fort Meade, Md. Elder said USAF had established an air component coordination cell in Washington to work with NSA. The regular Air Force “can’t do it alone,” said Elder. He added, “This is the ultimate team sport.”
Lockheed Martin’s proposed autonomous drone, called Vectis, is still on track to fly a prototype by the end of 2027, an official from the company’s Skunk Works division said Sept. 10, and the firm already started work on four more Vectis aircraft.


