Author Archive

Audrey Decker

Staff Writer

Audrey Decker
Audrey Decker is the air warfare reporter for Defense One. She previously reported for Inside Defense, where she reported on the Navy and emerging defense technology. She's a graduate of the University of Maryland.
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.

Policy

Marines aim to buy more carrier-based F-35s, fewer VTOLs

Corps’ new aviation plan also expands squadrons—but not UAV-buying plans.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Business

Boeing’s defense unit to eat $1.7 billion in fourth quarter

Fixed-price contracts continue to torment the aerospace giant.

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.

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.

Policy

Trump taps NRO official as Air Force secretary

The move emphasizes the next administration's pro-space agenda.

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.

Business

Bigger, higher, cheaper: Space startup looks beyond LEO

The Pentagon’s former space policy chief joins LA-based K2 Space.

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.

Business

The Henry Ford of satellite buses?

LA startup aims to churn out 12 mostly-standard buses a month.

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.