Radar Sweep
Israel and Hamas Reach Deal on Gaza Ceasefire and Hostage Release
A ceasefire deal has been reached to end 15 months of fighting in the Gaza Strip, according to President Joe Biden and the prime minister of Qatar, which hosted weeks of intense negotiations. The hard-won agreement will also free dozens of hostages held in Gaza, as well as Palestinians in Israeli jails, bringing the first real break in violence since a weeklong truce expired Dec. 1, 2023.
Pentagon Watchdog Finds Lloyd Austin’s Hospitalization ‘Unnecessarily’ Increased Risks to National Security
The Pentagon inspector general found in its review of Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin’s hospitalization last year that it “increased unnecessarily” the risks to national security, even if ultimately, there were no immediate consequences.
Slingshot Tracks Electronic Interference Targeting GPS Signals
Slingshot Aerospace, a company specializing in satellite data analytics, received a $1.9 million contract from the U.S. Space Force to advance technologies for detecting electronic interference targeting GPS signals. The Phase 2 Small Business Innovation Research contract, awarded through the Space Force’s SpaceWERX innovation arm, will focus on the use of artificial intelligence tools to identify potential threats to GPS signals.
Bigger, Higher, Cheaper: Space Startup Looks Beyond LEO
While many satellite builders focus on small spacecraft for low-Earth orbit, one Los Angeles startup is thinking bigger and aiming farther, betting that falling launch costs will unlock higher orbits. K2 sees a burgeoning market for medium-Earth orbit satellites with more onboard power and payload. The startup is designing a massive satellite bus meant to withstand MEO’s harsh radiation at a fraction of the cost of current products.
Calvelli’s Biggest Regret: New GPS Ground System Still Non-Operational
Frank Calvelli, outgoing assistant secretary of the Air Force for space acquisition and integration, says his biggest regret is that he was unable to shepherd the long-delayed upgraded ground system for the GPS satellite constellation. In an exclusive interview with Breaking Defense on Jan. 13, he said the Next-Generation Operational Control System (OCX) program “has made progress over the last two, two-and-a-half years, [but] it’s not as fast as I had hoped it had been.”
Widow of Air Force Missileer Who Died of Cancer Secures VA Benefits After Yearslong Fight
The widow of an Air Force missileer who died of non-Hodgkin lymphoma has finally secured Department of Veterans Affairs benefits connected to her late husband’s passing, a major achievement as more troops who worked with America’s nuclear missiles fear they may have developed cancer from their service.
More Military Children Will Soon Have Access to DOD-Operated Schools
More active-duty military parents will soon be able to enroll their children in schools operated by the Defense Department on bases in the continental United States—even if they live off base. A new law will allow full-time, Active-Duty service members assigned to specific installations to request that their children be enrolled in the school operated by the DOD, regardless of whether they live on base. Children may be allowed to attend the school if space is available.
Norway Air Force Flies F-35 On Sustainable Aviation Fuel
Norway’s air force has flown a Lockheed Martin F-35 Joint Strike Fighter fueled with sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) as part a of national effort to reduce carbon emissions and strengthen security of supply.
PODCAST: “There I Was!”: Stories from the Cockpit and Space with the Mitchell Institute
In this episode of the Aerospace Advantage, Heather “Lucky” Penney chats with members of the Mitchell team about some of their most memorable experiences from their time in uniform. Over the holiday season, we decided it was time to kick back and reflect upon the high adventures of past years. These are some fun stories you won’t want to miss.
New Air-Launched Cruise Missile Teased by General Atomics
General Atomics has offered a look at a new air-to-surface missile it is developing. The emergence of the project comes at a time of great and still growing interest, especially within the U.S. military, in new air-launched strike munitions, particularly ones that are cheaper and easier to produce than existing designs.
Chinese Military Delegation to Make Rare Visit to Japan, Experts See Pre-Trump Prep
For the first time in five years, China has sent a sizable military delegation to Japan for a weeklong visit. The purpose of the visit by a delegation from the Eastern Theater Command, according to a Monday statement from the Chinese military, is to “strengthen mutual understanding and trust, while advancing defense exchanges between the two countries.”
From Olympian to Airman: Elite Athlete Completes Air Force Basic Training
Three-time Olympic athlete Anita Alvarez has earned herself a new title: Airman. Alvarez graduated Air Force Basic Military Training at Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland in Texas on Jan. 9—one of 781 Airmen to graduate last week. She will join a premier group of athletes in the Air Force World Class Athlete Program (WCAP) to continue her training as an artistic swimmer.