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.”
The Pentagon has concluded a new agreement to buy laser-guidance kits that turn rockets into drone-killing weapons. BAE Systems and the Defense Department announced a framework deal of up to seven years for 25,000 Advanced Precision Kill Weapon System guidance kits annually for the U.S. military.