The Missile Defense Agency conducted a successful “important exercise and flight test” Friday from Vandenberg AFB, Calif., of a ground-based interceptor missile, ultimately to be used to protect the nation against long-range ballistic missiles. Air Force Lt. Gen. Trey Obering, MDA chief, told reporters earlier that the test would be “realistic” but the interceptor’s kill vehicle would not impact the target missile. That test remains on schedule for later this year.
The Department of the Air Force’s “pass through” budget—money that actually goes to other agencies—is slated to keep growing past $52 billion in 2027. Proportionally, though, it’s on the decline, especially compared to an explosion of classified spending in the Space Force.