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Assessing the true value of air and missile defense intercepts in the Red Sea

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Recent media coverage frequently portrays air and missile defense intercepts through the lens of a simplistic cost comparison: the expensive interceptor versus the seemingly cheap missile or drone it destroys. While such headlines grab attention, Wes Rumbaugh, a fellow at the Center for Strategic and International Studies, argues this approach paints an incomplete and potentially misleading picture. In a recent analysis, he delves deeper, urging a more nuanced understanding of the complex factors at play.

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ATLANTIC OCEAN (Nov. 1, 2017) The guided-missile destroyer USS Jason Dunham (DDG 109) launches a SM-2 missile during a live-fire exercise. Jason Dunham is underway with the Harry S. Truman Carrier Strike Group preparing for future operations. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Zachary Van Nuys/Released)

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Utah National Guard Apache Longbow down in training mishap

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A Utah National Guard AH-64D Apache Longbow helicopter involved in a landing exercise crashed at the South Valley Regional Airport on Monday, Feb. 12, at approximately 1:20 PM. While both pilots (one is from the 419th Fighter Wing) onboard sustained injuries, they are reported to be in stable condition. No other casualties were reported.

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Merlin bringing uncrewed flight capabilities to USAF’s KC-135

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Merlin, a leading developer of autonomous flight technologies, has inked a deal with the U.S. Air Force (USAF) to explore the integration of uncrewed flight capabilities into the KC-135 Stratotanker. This marks a significant step forward in the development of uncrewed aerial systems (UAS) for military applications, particularly in the critical domain of aerial refueling.

A Michigan Air National Guard KC-135T from the 171st Air Refueling Squadron at Selfridge ANG Base in flight on a refueling mission over central United States. The KC-135 is used for refueling other aircraft in mid-air across the globe. It has a secondary mission as a transport aircraft, moving personnel and equipment. To learn more about Selfridge and to walk inside the KC-135 Stratotanker yourself, visit the Selfridge International Open House and Air Show June 6 & 7. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Munnaf Joarder)

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U.S. Air Force gets sharper vision with upgraded LITENING LA targeting pod

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The U.S. Air Force is about to see a significant boost in its air-to-ground precision capabilities with the rollout of the Large Aperture (LA) variant of the LITENING targeting pod. Developed by Northrop Grumman, the LA pod represents a leap forward in electro-optical/infrared (EO/IR) sensing and processing, promising to enhance both the effectiveness and safety of attack missions.


Photo: Northrop Grumman
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All-female crew takes E-3A AWACS for NATO vigilance mission

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In a historic first for NATO and a milestone for gender equality in military aviation, an all-female crew recently completed a successful mission aboard an E-3A AWACS aircraft. Organized by the NATO Airborne Early Warning and Control Force (NAEW&CF) Women in Tech (WIT) initiative, this flight, conducted on Feb. 9, as part of the Alliance’s Enhanced Vigilance Activities (eVA), marked a significant moment in breaking down barriers and showcasing the vital role women play in safeguarding airspace.


Photo: NATO
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