All 50 governors oppose Biden proposal on authority over the National Guard
Fifty governors have signed letters in opposition to a Biden administration proposal that would change who has control over a state’s national guard. A new Pentagon proposal, supported by the White House, would partially change that.
It’s a governor’s job to handle the state’s National Guard, deploying members within their own state or to others in times of crisis.
The Pentagon’s proposal would give the Air Force secretary the sole authority to move Air National Guard members from any state to Space Force units in effort to build the service’s Space Force.
The secretary said the proposal impacts 13 space units — about 1,000 Air National Guard members.
A White House official said the Biden administration stands by the proposal for a one-time transfer of airmen to help expand the Space Force and expand space security.
However, the governors are calling the proposal an overreach.
“If adopted, the proposal would flout more than a century of precedent and undermine federal law protections for state control of their National Guard,” Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, R, wrote in an open letter to lawmakers.
“Instead of attempting such a power grab in Congress, the U.S. Department of the Air Force should work with the affected governors to build up the Space Force in a way that is consistent with federal law,” Texas Gov. Greg Abbott, R, wrote in an open letter to Biden.
“Legislation that sidesteps, eliminates or otherwise reduces Governors’ authority within their states and territories undermines longstanding partnerships, precedence, military readiness and operational efficacy,” a joint letter to Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin signed by the other 48 governors reads.
The proposal is being reviewed by the Senate Armed Services Committee. There are no further reports on what committee members plan to do with it.
Robotic craftsman provides solution for aging military systems needing repairs
Some U.S. military systems are more than 50 years old, which means the parts to fix them are not easy to find, if they still exist. The introduction of 3D printing helped with remaking replacement parts. However, it was not a perfect solution because of limitations with materials.
The Air Force looked for faster, more creative solutions. A Southern California startup, Machina Labs, created a strong contender for a solution. The Robotic Craftsman is a 3D shaper that uses robotic fingers to shape pieces of sheet metal into parts. Its benefit is that the same machine can build countless parts, instead of only building one or two.
Machina Labs said this capability is key for one-off replacement parts.
“Throughout history, metal craftsmen had this almost unlimited agility, they could pick up a different tool, learn a new craft, and make something new,” Mike Polino, Machina Labs’ vice president of product, said. “Maybe a helmet one day, a shield the next day, a tea kettle, the day after that. So in the modern manufacturing context, we needed a lot more scale. So we got rid of all that agility in favor of a fixed tooling that would help us stamp out many, many, many parts.”
The machine can quickly learn how to shape each required part. Therefore, it reduces the time a military vehicle is out of service. Machina Labs said it can deliver parts in a week that used to take a year to construct.
Machina Labs installed the first Robotic Craftsman at Warner Robins Air Force Base in Georgia in November 2023. That base is home to the Air Materiel Command’s Logistics Complex. It supplies replacement parts for everything from engines to missiles. In the last six months, the robots gathered information to create new parts even more efficiently.
“They’re absolutely leading the charge in new techniques and sustainment,” Polino said. “They’ve helped us collect requirements and been good thought partners and also just generally helped fund some of the R&D which is really important to us.”
A report from Defense One said the Air Force needs $1.5 billion in parts for the next fiscal year. These new machines help reduce repair time for the thousands of pieces of equipment currently out of service. Machina Labs said the next step for the robot is to deploy it into combat situations for even faster repairs.
“Our current version of the system actually folds up into a standard shipping container format, and can be deployed anywhere by rail or by plane,” Polino said. “Being forward, being in contested environments, being able to inspect and then reproduce parts that maybe go through battle damage is a big part of our mission.”
AI agents go nose-to-nose with human pilots in real-world dogfight
For the first time in the history of jets, artificial intelligence and humans, an AI pilot flew a fighter jet head-to-head against a human pilot in the real world. The test took place sometime in 2023.
Pulling off the feat off was a collaborative effort between several government agencies including the Air Force Research Lab, the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA), the Air Force Test Center, and the Air Force Test Pilot School. Hitting the milestone also required help from industry partners like Lockheed Martin, EpiSci and Shield AI.
The teams worked together to put AI agents at the controls of the X-62A Vista. The plane is a test aircraft based on an F-16 airframe.
“The X-62A is an incredible platform, not just for research and advancing the state of tests, but also for preparing the next generation of test leaders,” Col. James Valpiani, commandant of the Test Pilot School, said. “When ensuring the capability in front of them is safe, efficient, effective and responsible, industry can look to the results of what the X-62A [Air Combat Evolution] team has done as a paradigm shift. We’ve fundamentally changed the conversation by showing this can be executed safely and responsibly.”
In less than a year, the project’s partners went from installing live AI agents into the X-62A, to actually handing over the controls in the first human vs. AI dogfights. More than 100,000 lines of code in the flight-critical software were updated during testing.
It took time to teach the AI agents the rules of the sky and how to operate within the domain under real-world conditions. Over the course of 21 test flights, the machine-based learning tools were taught how to perform defensive maneuvers before going into the more advanced high-aspect, nose-to-nose engagements.
During the dogfights, human pilots came within 2,000 feet of the AI-piloted Vista while moving at around 1,200 miles per hour.
“The potential for autonomous air-to-air combat has been imaginable for decades, but the reality has remained a distant dream up until now,” Air Force Secretary Frank Kendall said. “In 2023, the X-62A broke one of the most significant barriers in combat aviation. This is a transformational moment, all made possible by breakthrough accomplishments of the X-62A [Air Combat Evolution] team.”
Secretary Kendall will get a front seat to the new tech when he takes a ride in the AI-piloted plane later this year.
While teaching an artificial intelligence to dogfight, and actually having that intelligence perform the maneuvers in the real-world is absolutely monumental, the Air Force’s chief test Pilot said focusing solely on that aspect misses the point of the overall moment.
“Dogfighting was the problem to solve so we could start testing autonomous artificial intelligence systems in the air,” Bill Gray said. “Every lesson we’re learning applies to every task you could give to an autonomous system.”
Neither the AFRL nor DARPA revealed who won the dogfights between human test pilots and their artificial counterparts. However, when AI agents went up against humans in a simulated environment, the AI agents swept the competition.
Why the Air Force Research Lab is so important: Weapons and Warfare
In this episode of Weapons and Warfare, host Ryan Robertson checks in with the director of Strategic Partnering at the Air Force Research Laboratory. From fifth-generation fighters to the B-21 and drones to missiles, learn about all things AFRL and find out how the lab is working to meet the needs of today’s airmen and guardians.
Also featured in this episode:
A new report from the Government Accounting Office details a troubling trend for the U.S. military.
Private jets are being refitted to be Air Force attack planes: Weapon of the week
The EA-37B Compass Call is an electronic attack weapon system built by L3Harris and BAE Systems for the U.S. Air Force. But underneath its bulky exterior is the Gulfstream G550, one of the most exclusive private jets owned by people like Elon Musk, Mark Cuban and Michael Jordan.
After refitting, the G550 is converted into the EA-37B. The Air Force has been tight lipped about the specifics of what the aircraft is outfitted with. The job of all the hardware is to prevent enemy combatants from effectively using any system that requires operator input.
The EA-37B is an interrupter, using technology to deny the other side an opportunity to use its own tech. It disables the link between the operator and the device, allowing the crew to then disable the device as a whole or — depending on the software — hack into it and take it over.
The EA-37B can fly past 40,000 feet and cruise at over 600 mph — more than 15,000 feet higher and nearly twice the speed of its predecessor, the EC-130.
Right now the Air Force has an order for 10 of these electronic attack aircraft, having taken delivery of the first in 2023. The branch expects to receive five more sometime in 2024.
The first is reportedly undergoing extensive testing before heading to its permanent home at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base near Tucson, Arizona.
Driving military tech: Inside the Air Force Research Lab
When it comes to innovation, the Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) stands as a cornerstone, driving technological advancements for the Air Force and, since 2019, the Space Force. Established in 1997, the AFRL has been instrumental in developing technologies that have found their way into various aircraft and spacecraft.
According to James Bieryla, director of AFRL Strategic Partnering, the laboratory’s impact extends far beyond its headquarters at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base in Ohio.
“The laboratory is not just one building. It is spread across the United States,” Bieryla said.
With research sites scattered across 10 states and a workforce exceeding 12,500 individuals, the AFRL strategically positions itself to collaborate closely with both the warfighter and external organizations developing relevant technologies.
The AFRL’s work can be seen in iconic projects like the F-35 and the B-21, currently undergoing tests at Edwards Air Force Base. However, its contributions also extend to lesser-known projects that play an important role in maintaining America’s technological edge over near-peer adversaries.
“We have a great team leads, we got great engineers, we have a vast pool of people, cross director today FRL and cross service that are all making significant contributions to this,” said Dr. Ben Dickinson, from the Weapons Dynamics & Controls Sciences Branch.
The AFRL comprises 12 directorates, each focusing on distinct areas such as human performance and space vehicles, all with a unified goal of supporting the warfighter wherever they may be deployed.
Despite the evolving of military budgets and threats from adversaries like Beijing and Moscow, Bieryla emphasized that the AFRL remains steadfast in its mission to rapidly and affordably deliver technology to the hands of airmen and guardians.
“Everything we do has a fierce focus on making sure that ultimately, our airmen or guardians, our warfighters, get that technology and get it into their hands and get it into their hands quickly. And as affordably as possible,” Bieryla said.
While the AFRL’s primary focus is on military applications, its contributions have had widespread civilian impacts, exemplified by technologies like the Global Positioning System (GPS), originally developed for military use but now ubiquitous in consumer devices like smartphones.
The AFRL’s dedication to innovation and collaboration continues to shape the future of air and space operations, ensuring that the United States remains at the forefront of technological advancement in the defense sector.
Access all Weapons and Warfare podcast episodes here.
Study: Most US service members lack enough sleep — it can be deadly
Getting enough sleep is important, especially when a country’s national security depends on it. A new study by the Government Accountability Office (GAO) found that the majority of U.S. service members surveyed reported less than 6 hours a night, despite the Department of Defense’s recommended minimum of 7 hours a night.
The new data shows a lack of sleep is also dangerous. The survey found that fatigue led to deadly accidents and hundreds of millions of dollars in damages to ships, vehicles and aircraft.
Survey respondents described how sleep issues impacted their work as well. One respondent said that a lack of sleep caused them to nearly collide with another aircraft and one reported falling asleep on the job.
While some of the problems were physical, others were mental.
“I could kill someone because I’m not getting the right sleep,” one anonymous responder said.
The right sleep is important too. Roughly half of the study’s respondents reported poor sleep, even if they did achieve the recommended hours.
In total, the GAO offered nine recommendations for the Department of Defense to implement. One of the recommendations was for the DOD to take steps to address fatigue-related issues, like creating guidance on fatigue management. Researchers also said that the DOD needs better oversight and collaboration when it comes to tackling fatigue in its ranks.
In addition, the study recommends fatigue-related oversight structure and a list of all related research projects to help the DOD learn about the impact of fatigue on service members and operations. The GAO said implementing new policies that help reduce fatigue could save lives and money for the DOD.
The GAO study looked into health data from 2005 to 2018, and interviewed pilots, aviation maintenance workers and missileers.
Where is AI technology now and where is it headed?: Weapons and Warfare
This episode of Weapons and Warfare takes a look at artificial intelligence and aviation. Host Ryan Robertson visits with two companies leading the charge for AI pilots to learn where the technology is now and where it might be headed as the nature of warfare evolves and competition for resources grows.
US fires off hypersonic missile test amid pressure from China, Russia
In what may be the weapon’s final test, the U.S. Air Force fired a Lockheed Martin Air-Launched Rapid Response Weapon from a B-52 Bomber on Sunday, March 17. The test happened over the Pacific near Guam. So far, the Air Force is being tight-lipped on how fast this version of a hypersonic missile flew.
Based off previous tests, the missile should be capable of reaching speeds five times the speed of sound. Despite staying quiet on the details, the Air Force contends that the latest test provided it with valuable data to analyze and will reportedly further hypersonic weapons research.
The Air Force maintains that the missile test was successful. However, the future of the Air Force’s hypersonic attack missile is a little uncertain. The Air Force’s proposed fiscal year 2025 budget requested $517 million to keep developing the weapon, but no funds to actually purchase any.
The Air Force stated that a final decision on the future of the Air-Launched Rapid Response Weapon will be based on the latest test flight.
Hypersonic missiles are important for the U.S. For starters, China and Russia have hypersonic missiles, and the U.S. doesn’t, which is a capability gap for the U.S. military.
As far as the actual missiles themselves, hypersonic missiles can be launched far enough away that enemy radar won’t see the launch. Hypersonic missiles also travel at speeds of at least Mach 5 or five times the speed of sound. Some missiles have reportedly reached speeds of Mach 8.
In 2017, Moscow reportedly added the Kinzhal Missile to its arsenal, and Russia became the first nation ever to use hypersonic weapons in war when it launched them at Ukraine. However, U.S. Patriot Missile batteries were able to defend against them.
Russia got started on its hypersonic program through Soviet-era research, which started in the early 2000s. The research began after the U.S. scrapped a 1972 anti-ballistic missile treaty, which limited Moscow’s production of anti-ballistic missiles, in an effort to stop the Cold War arms race.
How the Department of Defense’s $850 billion budget breaks down
It’s budget planning time in Washington. That means it’s time for the Department of Defense to submit its request for money from the American taxpayers.
For fiscal year 2025, the Pentagon is asking for $849.5 billion. That’s only about 1% more than it requested last year, which doesn’t keep up with inflation.
This is an overview of how each branch of the U.S. military plans to spend its share of the funds. However, Congress still hasn’t approved last year’s budget request from the Pentagon. Instead, the DOD is still operating on a continuing resolution, which impacts a whole host of budgetary issues.
Also, in order to keep the government from shutting down last fall, Congress and President Joe Biden agreed to the Fiscal Responsibility Act, which set a hard cap on defense spending in fiscal year 2025. So, some plans that were in the works for years are now delayed.
All that together means every dollar amount is an estimate and is subject to change, depending on how long it takes Congress to act and what level of funding it deems appropriate.
The Pentagon
As a whole, the DOD’s nearly $850 billion budget includes a 4.5% pay raise for service members, more funding for child development centers and on base facilities, and more money for service members to apply towards their basic housing allowance.
In the Department of the Navy — which actually oversees both the Navy and Marine Corps — the Navy is requesting about $204 billion in funding. The Marines are asking for just under $54 billion.
That represents a total budget increase of under 1%. So, the Navy, like every service branch, said it had to make some hard choices. The Navy previously said it would stop buying F/A-18 Super Hornets so it could save funds for the Next Generation Air Dominance (NGAD) fighter being developed in coordination with the Air Force. Now, the Navy is saying the billion dollars in fiscal year 25’s budget originally meant for the NGAD program will have to be reallocated.
The Navy said budget constraints also mean it needs to divest of 10 ships — retire them early. This is something Congress hates to do, especially now that China has the world’s largest fleet by number of ships.
The Navy said it could save a lot of money if it didn’t have to keep up with those 10 ships. That money could be used to help buy the six new vessels the Navy wants, a list which includes a new Virginia-class submarine, a couple of Arleigh Burke class destroyers and the Marine Corps’ first Medium Landing Ship.
The Marine Corps is also requesting funding for its helicopter fleet. But like the Navy and the NGAD, the Marines are also delaying spending on some unmanned programs in favor of maintaining readiness.
United States Coast Guard
Staying on the water, the United States Coast Guard is requesting the smallest chunk of change from Congress — just $13.8 billion. That’s less than what the Coast Guard requested in last year’s defense budget too. The Coast Guard said the money will be used to buy several new cutters and pay for upgrades to its MH-60 helicopter fleet.
United States Army
The Army is requesting $186 billion, a large portion of which will go toward personnel costs, as well as operations and maintenance. The Army is the largest and oldest of all the branches, employing more than 442,000 active duty soldiers plus another 325,000 national guardsmen and 175,000 reservists.
The Army already axed its Future Attack Reconnaissance Aircraft program, and, with the added budget constraints, announced the Extended Range Cannon Artillery program is now also dead. Although, some of the work being done on the munitions for that will continue.
The Army’s budget request includes money for more munitions, including the new Precision Strike Missile, which is replacing the ATACMS. The Army is also setting aside funds for the new Integrated Visual Augmentation System, a battlefield goggle display for foot soldiers that has been in development for years. If the next round of testing goes well, the Army wants to buy more than 3,000 units in fiscal year 25.
Now looking at the Department of the Air Force, which includes both the Air and Space Forces. The Air Force is requesting $188 billion. Space Force is asking for $29 billion from the defense budget.
With the money, the Air Force said it can procure 90 new aircraft, including 42 F-35s, 18 F-15EXs, more than a dozen tankers, some helicopters and a handful of the new T-7A Red Hawk trainers.
However, the Air Force also wants to divest of 250 aircraft including 32 F-22s, 26 F-15Es and 56 A-10 Warthogs. In terms of munitions, the Air Force wants to buy a slew of long-range missiles and anti-ship weapons. But, somewhat surprisingly, there is no money set aside for Lockheed Martin’s ARRW hypersonic missile.
The Space Force is the smallest of the branches, but its mission is vital to the entire Defense Department due to the increase of space-based communication. To that end, the Space Force wants to spend the bulk of its budget beefing up the satellites it puts into space by making them more resilient.
The Space Force wants to increase its number of satellites as well. The service wants to fund at least 11 launches in fiscal year 25, and it’s putting a large chunk of its requested budget toward more research, development, test and evaluation activities.
All of these numbers and figures are subject to change because a lot of fiscal year 25’s spending depends on fiscal year 24’s budget, which Congress has been sitting on since 2023.
Also, in addition to paying for all of its regular bills, the Pentagon is footing the tab on some border security operations and some supplies sent over to Ukraine. Those things are supposed to be paid for by the supplemental funding bill that Congress is also still sitting on. So, in the meantime, those costs are being covered out of some services’ core budgets, which means there’s even less money to go around.