Latest "Will Roper" stories

The B-21 stealth bomber’s first mission: evading Pentagon red tape

After a dramatic unveiling of Raider, former Air Force leaders are holding a muted celebration, having proved their acquisition strategy worked.

By Stephen Losey

3 months ago

From sci-fi to reality: How the US Space Force launched a digital revolution

It appears the Pentagon is prepared to see how deep the rabbit hole goes.

By Nathan Strout

18 months ago

Biden to nominate defense industry expert Andrew Hunter as Air Force acquisition boss

Andrew Hunter is known in Washington as a low-key professional and true expert on defense acquisition.

By Rachel S. Cohen

21 months ago

Due on Inauguration Day: An acquisition strategy for the Air Force’s next-gen battle management system

It will be up to the incoming Biden administration to decide whether to begin buying the first parts of the Advanced Battle Management System, or scrap the concept altogether.

By Valerie Insinna

2 years ago

New in 2021: Advanced Battle Management System testing begins

Major experiments to allow aircraft, sensors and other weapons systems across services to share data could begin as early as March.

By Stephen Losey

2 years ago

Here’s why the Valkyrie drone couldn’t translate between F-35 and F-22 jets during a recent test

The next round of tests could be scheduled as early as May 2021.

By Valerie Insinna

2 years ago