China and Russia have dramatically boosted their presence in space in the past several years, increasing security concerns for the U.S. now and in the future, according to a new report from the Defense Intelligence Agency. In particular, the “Challenges to Security in Space” report highlighted the dangers of China seeking to use counterspace operations to cripple U.S. military capabilities, and the potential military implications of China and Russia increasing exploration and use of cislunar space, the moon, and beyond.

Deputy Defense Secretary Kathleen Hicks urged Congress to be more patient with the Defense Department as it develops new systems, like hypersonic missiles. The Pentagon sees “real resistance … on Capitol Hill” to that approach, “and so you get curtailment of programs, … concerns over concurrency, concerns about technically risky approaches.” The U.S., she said, “has to be willing to fail. I think this is a place we want to increase the trust the Congress has in the Department, as it goes after improvements and capabilities.” During a roundtable with reporters, Hicks also was asked where her next trip will be to, and she said “back to California, … very soon,” possibly indicating that the rollout of the B-21, predicted for the April/May timeframe, will happen on schedule.

Roughly eight to 10 flights full of supplies and equipment for Ukraine are landing in Eastern Europe every day, Pentagon press secretary John F. Kirby told reporters on April 12, as the U.S. and other nations race to get their aid packages into the hands of Ukrainians combatting Russia’s invasion. Deputy Defense Secretary Kathleen Hicks told reporters in separate April 12 briefing there are packages of U.S. military aid to Ukraine soon to be announced that will include longer-ranged weapons than have been provided so far. She did not name the weapons.

Forty years since the Air Force first started thinking about replacing the eight engines on the B-52, the job is finally underway. The re-engining is the centerpiece of an upgrade that will keep the Stratofortress operationally relevant for another 20 to 30 years. Two new F130 engines have been built and if development and testing proceeds as planned, the first re-engined B-52s will be operational in about five years. Two new F130 engines have been built and if development and testing proceeds as planned, the first re-engined B-52s will be operational in about five years.