US Space Force accelerates acquisition and development of capabilities
Firefly Aerospace’s Alpha FLTA003 carrying the Victus Nox at Vandenberg Space Force Base, California. (Photo: Firefly Aerospace)
The great power competition against China and Russia has been pushing the US Space Force (USSF) towards speeding up its acquisition and development programmes.
The USSF became the newest US service when it was established in December 2019 and has been closely working with government agencies, academia and industry to access cutting-edge solutions.
Some of the branch’s rapid efforts have been related to the use of commercial technologies, as well as the procurement of C2, missile tracking and warning, space data, satellite, surveillance and reconnaissance capabilities.
Gen. B. Chance Saltzman, chief of space operations for the branch, explained that a “significant challenge” given
Already have an account? Log in
Want to keep reading this article?
More from Air Warfare
-
L3Harris moves forward with aerial, CUAS & software solutions
L3Harris Technologies is investing in new systems and software for maritime operations and modernising the US Navy’s fleet of MPAs
-
Shield AI unveils V-Bat block upgrade
The heavy-fuel engine V-Bat was officially showcased at Sea Air Space, after it was first teased in February 2025.
-
Czech Republic confirms new Sweden offer on Gripen aircraft lease
The current lease period for the 14 Gripen C/D aircraft flown by the Czech Air Force will come to an end in 2027. This new offer proposes that 12 Gripen aircraft will be leased after 2027.
-
USAF’s VENOM programme advances with modifications and autonomous testing
The first fully modified aircraft is expected to begin testing by the end of 2025, according to the US Air Force.