Author Archive
Audrey Decker
Staff Writer

Policy
Navy pauses sexual-assault prevention and response training
The SAPR program is still active, but training has been halted to check for compliance with new executive orders.
- Audrey Decker
Policy
Marines aim to buy more carrier-based F-35s, fewer VTOLs
Corps’ new aviation plan also expands squadrons—but not UAV-buying plans.
- Audrey Decker
Ideas
Defense One Radio, Ep. 172: The Air Force's force-design leader
Maj. Gen. Joseph Kunkel discusses his how his service's modernization strategy will shape the future of air combat in an increasingly complex security landscape.
- Audrey Decker
Science & Tech
The F-35 program’s software development isn’t getting any better, Pentagon report finds
A new report from the top DOD weapons tester noted the program can’t "simultaneously" fix multiple software problems.
- Audrey Decker
Business
Full F-35 upgrade package might not happen this year, Lockheed says
The company also reported $2B in losses in 2024 on classified programs in its fourth-quarter earnings call.
- Audrey Decker
Threats
The D Brief: NATO’s Baltic problem; Denmark ups military spending; MADIS vs. drones; And a bit more.
- Ben Watson, Meghann Myers and Audrey Decker
Policy
Air Force promises it’s ‘faithfully’ executing Trump’s orders
Gen. Allvin aimed to “dispel a rumor” regarding the removal of training materials related to Tuskegee Airmen and WASPs.
- Audrey Decker
Policy
Air Force shutters quality of life working groups as Trump takes over the Pentagon
The groups had remained active, and even expanded, during Trump’s first term.
- Audrey Decker
Threats
Pilot shortage: new report calls for more Air Force fighters and larger Reserve
The Mitchell Institute report comes after Air Force Chief Gen. Allvin publicly called for a beefier Air Force.
- Audrey Decker
Business
Boeing’s defense unit to eat $1.7 billion in fourth quarter
Fixed-price contracts continue to torment the aerospace giant.
- Audrey Decker
Threats
Pentagon sending 1,500 troops to southern border, USAF planes on deportation flights
Defense officials did not rule out arming troops on the border, but left that up to the discretion of NORTHCOM.
- Audrey Decker
Threats
Today’s D Brief: Israel pounds Gaza; Navy’s readiness plan; UK, Ukraine ink 100-year pact; ‘Remember your oath’; And just a bit more...
- Bradley Peniston and Audrey Decker
Business
Blue Origin’s rocket reaches orbit on first flight, promising competition for SpaceX
Maiden flight brings reusable heavy-lift New Glenn closer to launching U.S. military and spy satellites.
- Audrey Decker
Policy
Trump taps NRO official as Air Force secretary
The move emphasizes the next administration's pro-space agenda.
- Audrey Decker
Business
Air Force delays T-7 production but expects accelerated initial operational capability
The service said today that it would “incentivize” Boeing to address “emergent issues” for the trainer program.
- Audrey Decker
Business
Bigger, higher, cheaper: Space startup looks beyond LEO
The Pentagon’s former space policy chief joins LA-based K2 Space.
- Audrey Decker
Science & Tech
Outgoing Air Force secretary floats options for 6th-gen jet program
Frank Kendall offers a vision for his department’s future—though NGAD’s fate will be up to the Trump team.
- Audrey Decker
Business
The Henry Ford of satellite buses?
LA startup aims to churn out 12 mostly-standard buses a month.
- Audrey Decker
Threats
New threats pushing Air Force and Army to rethink approach to base defense
A recent report outlines how the U.S. is falling behind China in building resilient air bases.
- Audrey Decker