John A. Tirpak
John A. Tirpak is Editorial Director of Air & Space Forces Magazine, with more than 25 years at the publication and more than 34 years in defense journalism. He has written for Aviation Week & Space Technology, Aerospace Daily, and Jane’s, reporting from all 50 U.S. states and 25 countries. He has been recognized with awards for journalistic excellence from the Society of Professional Journalists, the Aviation and Space Writer’s Association, the Association of Business Publications International, and was the recipient of the 2018 Gill Robb Wilson Award in Arts and Letters from the Air & Space Forces Association. He has lectured at the National War College and did postgraduate research at the Smithsonian’s National Air & Space Museum.
Recent stories by John A. Tirpak
Air Force Fighter Roadmap Projects Slow Growth for F-35 Fleet
The Air Force is projecting relatively limited growth for its main F-35 fleet for the rest of the decade, according to the new fighter roadmap it provided to Congress. That roadmap also calls for the overall fighter fleet to shrink for two more years before ...
Air Force’s New Fighter Goal: More Jets, But Who’s Paying?
The Air Force’s new fighter plan calls for a 30 percent increase in fighter jets, but achieving that increase will be challenging, and the plan lacks a convincing force-sizing rationale, according to former service leaders and defense analysts.
Airmen Cleared to Start Training on New EA-37 Compass Call Simulator
The Air Force has approved Airmen to start training with the EA-37B Compass Call Mission Crew Simulator, BAE Systems announced. The system will provide realistic training and mission rehearsal for EA-37B crews, who perform long-range electromagnetic warfare missions.
General Atomics Flies Second CCA, Announces New Ground-Attack Drone
General Atomics Aeronautical Systems Inc. has flown a second YFQ-42A Collaborative Combat Aircraft, stepping up the pace of testing for the new uncrewed fighter escort. The company also announced “Gambit 6,” a fresh variant in its CCA family meant for air-to-ground missions.
Air Force to Retain ‘Platinum’ F-15C/Ds Four More Years for Homeland Defense
The Air Force is planning to retain some F-15C/D Eagles, among its oldest fighters, to perform the homeland defense mission at least four more years, the service revealed in a “Long-Term Fighter Force Structure” report submitted to lawmakers earlier this year.
Lawmakers: Secret JATM Missile Not Delayed by Shutdown After All
The ongoing government shutdown has not slowed progress on the Joint Advanced Tactical Missile, a congressional official said, correcting a previous statement from lawmakers about the secretive program.
Anduril’s CCA Makes First Flight; YFQ-44A Flies Semi-Autonomously
Anduril Industries’ YFQ-44A Collaborative Combat Aircraft took to the sky Oct. 31, the Air Force announced. The service also confirmed that a production decision on the CCA program is still expected in fiscal 2026, despite the ongoing government shutdown.
STRATCOM Nominee Wants More B-21s, Deflects Questions on US Resumption of Nuclear Tests
The nominee to become the next head of U.S. Strategic Command, Vice Adm. Richard Correll, endorsed the production of more than 100 B-21 bombers, echoing his predecessor Gen. Anthony Cotton's view.
Northrop Ready to Start Production on New F-16 EW Suite; First Units Going to Middle East
Northrop Grumman is gearing up to produce the Integrated Viper Electronic Warfare Suite, or IVEWS, which will provide the modern electronic warfare protection the fighter has long needed, officials say.
Pentagon Tech Nominees Say They’ll Stress Speed to Service for New Capabilities
Defense technology nominees told the Senate Armed Services Committee they will strive to sharply accelerate the transition of new technologies into fielded capabilities. They pledged to cut red tape and ensure that the innovation infrastructure can support the needed speed of adopting new tech.
Update: Shutdown Has Not Delayed Secretive New JATM Missile
The ongoing government shutdown has not slowed progress on the Joint Advanced Tactical Missile, a congressional official said, correcting a previous statement from lawmakers about the secretive program.
A New Kind of CCA? Meet the Supersonic, Vertical Takeoff and Landing X-BAT
Shield AI has entered the increasingly crowded field of Collaborative Combat Aircraft, this week announcing its “X-BAT” vehicle that stands out from others by having both vertical takeoff and landing capability and supersonic speed.
Northrop Checks Off Sentinel Milestones While Still Working on Program Restructure
While the Sentinel ICBM program writ large is undergoing a major restructure due to cost and schedule overages, prime contractor Northrop Grumman is touting progress on milestones with the missile itself.
Northrop: ‘Multiple‘ B-21s in Ground Test, Production Increase in Negotiations
Multiple B-21s are undergoing ground tests and being prepared to join the two aircraft now in test flight, and the Northrop Grumman is negotiating with the Air Force about how expanded production for the bomber could be accomplished, president and CEO Kathy Warden said Oct. ...
Lockheed Says It’s Self-Funding Prototypes. Could a ‘Ferrari’ F-35 Be One?
Lockheed Martin is taking a “home run” approach to self-funded research and development by going ahead and building full prototypes to show to the U.S. government, CEO Jim Taiclet said Oct. 20—a plan he hinted could apply to technology the company is hoping to shift ...
