The Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency recently wrapped up testing a new way to speed up air-to-ground coordination between an A-10 pilot and a joint terminal attack controller, with the JTAC calling in airstrikes by tapping a tablet. DARPA installed its Persistent Close Air Support prototype system on an A-10 at Nellis AFB, Nev., which flew 50 successful sorties this year. During the tests, the JTAC used a tablet computer to direct airstrikes, including a mix of laser- and GPS-guided munitions. Software connected to an onboard targeting system with a datalink connecting the pilot to the JTAC, DARPA said in a release. The system is aimed at improving the ability to share real-time situational awareness and weapons systems data, helping the team use smaller munitions to hit multiple or moving targets, according to DARPA.
The rate of building B-21 bombers would speed up if the fiscal 2026 defense budget passes. But it remains unclear how much capacity would be added, and whether the Air Force would simply build the bombers faster, or buy more.
