Matthew Cox
Matthew Cox has been a defense reporter since 1998. Prior to working for three years in media relations at Thales, he worked for Military.com from 2011 to 2021, covering Army and Marine Corps readiness and modernizations with a focus on weapons development and procurement. Before that he worked for more than 12 years at Army Times. He focused on modernization, training, and readiness as well as covering light infantry units in combat in both Afghanistan from 2002 to 2008. He also spent four years in the U.S. Army during the second half of the 1980s, serving as an infantryman in the 82nd Airborne Division.
Recent stories by Matthew Cox
We’ll Bring You Home: USAF’s Unwritten Contract with Every Combat Pilot
When Airmen eject, the mission is clear: America leaves no warrior behind. Airmen are trained to survive, evade, resist, and escape the enemy, and everyone from ground crew to rescue personnel and commanders are committed to doing everything necessary—and possible—to bring downed Airmen home.
Space Force Selects Reservists to Become New Part-Time Guardians
Nearly 250 Air Force Reservists with space-related skills have been selected to be the Space Force’s first part-time Guardians, according to an April 22 announcement.
Air Base Defense Would Get $1.4 Billion in ’27 USAF Budget
The Air Force wants to funnel $1.4 billion into air base defense with new weapon systems designed to protect homeland installations and forward-deployed airfields against drones and missile threats, Air Force budget officials said April 21.
Air Force Seeks $3.2 Billion Plus-Up to Improve Aircraft Readiness
The Air Force is asking Congress for an additional $3.2 billion for spares as part of a larger push to increase aircraft readiness, Vice Chief Gen. John D. Lamontagne told Congress on April 15.
PHOTOS: Air Force Shows B-21 Refueling Tests with KC-135
The Air Force released new photos of the B-21 Raider conducting aerial refueling tests with a KC-135 Stratotanker—confirming a key milestone in the new long-range strike bomber’s development and offering a rare glimpse of the secretive aircraft’s features.
Air Force Invites AI Firms to Build up to 12 Data Centers on Three Alaska Bases
The Department of the Air Force is inviting artificial intelligence companies to submit proposals to build potentially a dozen data centers on 4,700 acres located on Air Force and Space Force installations in Alaska.
Air Force Offering Bonuses up to $600K for Aviators to Stay in Service
Some Air Force aviators may be able to earn up to $600,000 if they extend their service through the fiscal 2026 Aviation Bonus program. But they have just a few weeks to apply before the May 31 deadline, according to an April 8 announcement.
Air Force Tanker, Airlift Fleet Could Get a ‘Moving Map App’ to Boost Battlespace Awareness
In an effort to improve connectivity aboard Air Force tanker and mobility aircraft, the Pentagon’s commercial technology innovation unit wants a system to install new applications on aircraft, such as a moving map display that helps aircrew see through the fog of war.
Department of Air Force Cuts Transition Window for Civilian Job Training
The Department of the Air Force has cut the number of days all ranks of Airmen and Guardians can gain civilian work experience through the SkillBridge program during their last six months of service.
Pentagon Requests 38 F-35s for the Air Force in 2027 Budget
The Pentagon is requesting funds to buy 85 F-35s in its 2027 budget, 38 of them for the Air Force, a number that analysts say is not enough to reverse service’s fighter shortfall.
What Options Does the Air Force Have for E-3 Taken Out by Iran?
When an E-3 Sentry battle management aircraft was damaged in an Iranian attack on Prince Sultan Air Base, Saudi Arabia, it sparked a host of questions about one of the Air Force’s oldest, smallest, but most critical fleets. Experts say the service doesn’t have many ...
Missile Cancer Study Finds Increased Rate of Two Cancers Based on More Data
Air Force Global Strike Command has found increased rates of testicular cancer and Hodgkin lymphoma in the nuclear intercontinental ballistic missile community compared to other service career specialties, service officials said March 27.
Hegseth’s Push for Chaplains to Remove Rank Sparks Debate
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth recently ordered chaplains to shed their officer rank insignia to make them more approachable to lower ranks—a move that has sparked a debate over why chaplains need to be viewed as officers.
STARCOM Opens New Headquarters Building in Florida
Space Training and Readiness Command officially opened its new headquarters building in Florida this month, as the field command starts to move in earnest from Colorado. The process will hopefully be complete by 2027, Chief Master Sergeant of the Space Force John F. Bentivenga told ...
New Rules for Religious Shaving Waivers: More Hurdles, Less ‘Gaming the System’?
The Pentagon recently put out new guidance for evaluating requests for religious accommodations to grooming standards—a lengthy new process that could make it more difficult for some Airmen and Guardians to keep their beards.