Sara Sirota

Sara Sirota was an associate editor for Inside the Air Force until April 2021. Previously, she reported for The Hill and The Cazenovia Republican. She has a master's degree in security studies from Georgetown University's School of Foreign Service and a bachelor's degree in political science from Colgate University.

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Archived Articles
Daily News | March 17, 2020

The Air Force and National Nuclear Security Administration are evaluating options to minimize potential risks to delivering the Long-Range Standoff Weapon's new warhead and may propose shifting the first production unit delivery date.

The Insider | March 16, 2020

The Air Force may spend up to $950 million on a contract for a full-spectrum defense network across its bases in the U.S. European Command and U.S. Africa Command areas of responsibility.

Daily News | March 12, 2020

The Air Force's fiscal year 2021 budget proposal reorganizes the service's science and technology accounts -- a "significant reform" that will allow researchers to be more agile moving forward, according to service acquisition chief Will Roper.

The Insider | March 11, 2020

Workers supporting the new Air Force One program have begun modifying the Boeing 747-8 aircraft that will transport the president around the world starting in 2024.

Daily News | March 11, 2020

The Air Force has begun studying options to replace the MQ-9 Reaper and aims to identify a way forward in the fiscal year 2022 budget proposal, a senior official said yesterday.

Daily News | March 10, 2020

ORLANDO, FL -- The Air Force is striving to complete developmental testing for its new search-and-rescue helicopter, the HH-60W Jolly Green, by its original deadline of October -- even though the service won't be able to fully test all the aircraft's systems by then.

The Insider | March 9, 2020

The Air Force Scientific Advisory Board will hold a quarterly meeting April 2 to receive updates on its three fiscal year 2020 studies, according to a Federal Register notice posted today.

Daily News | March 5, 2020

ORLANDO, FL -- Air Force researchers studying how warfighters can use directed energy as defensive weapons have shipped out the first system in their overseas counter-drone experiment and are planning to begin a new testing campaign to bolster anti-cruise missile capabilities.

Daily News | March 4, 2020

Testifying at a Senate Armed Services Committee hearing yesterday, Air Force Secretary Barbara Barrett wouldn't commit to submitting traditional acquisition documents for the service's emerging Advanced Battle Management System.

Daily News | March 3, 2020

The Air Force is finalizing a classified strategy that will lay out the service's approach to warfighting and security cooperation in alignment with the Trump administration's 2018 National Defense Strategy, officials have confirmed.

Daily News | March 2, 2020

Sen. John Hoeven (R-ND) is warning the Congressional Budget Office may overestimate costs of U.S. nuclear forces in an upcoming assessment that could taint the agency's objectivity in major policy debates over controversial programs like the Ground Based Strategic Deterrent.

Daily News | March 2, 2020

ORLANDO, FL -- The Skyborg program won't produce the hyped vision of a weaponized, loyal wingman right away, but will instead introduce advanced technology in cycles, allowing the system to take on more complex mission sets over time that could eventually run like applications on an iPhone, according to Air Force officials.

Daily News | March 2, 2020

ORLANDO, FL -- When deciding which of its two hypersonic prototyping efforts to continue funding, the Air Force chose the Air-Launched Rapid Response Weapon since it provides greater capability for the B-52 and has a more advanced design, according to the service's acquisition chief.

Daily News | February 28, 2020

ORLANDO, FL -- The 16th Air Force has begun supporting combatant commanders' cyber operations since opening in October and is now seeking stronger integration of information warfare units across the globe while also beefing up electromagnetic spectrum and artificial intelligence capabilities.

Daily News | February 27, 2020

ORLANDO, FL -- The Air Force is preparing to defend its fiscal year 2021 budget realignments to Congress, holding classified briefings with lawmakers and staffers ahead of hearings likely to expose the service's proposals to heavy scrutiny.

Daily News | February 26, 2020

The Air Force has established an "innovative capabilities opening" to assess the transformative vertical flight market with the goal of accelerating certification and evaluating the potential for early adoption and fielding.

The Insider | February 25, 2020

Northrop Grumman has added Bechtel and Kratos to its team that will develop the military's next-generation intercontinental ballistic missile system -- the Ground Based Strategic Deterrent.

Daily News | February 21, 2020

Air Force acquisition chief Will Roper is eyeing the service's new approach to shared network testing, commercial start-ups and even the flying car industry as potential game-changers to the Pentagon's traditional relationship with contractors and the global technology market.

Daily News | February 20, 2020

The Air Force is looking to invest more than $1 billion over the next five years and will publish a request for proposals this spring to upgrade a developmental Navy guided missile that's intended to enhance the F-35 fighter jet's performance against anti-access/area-denial defenses.

Daily News | February 19, 2020

The president's fiscal year 2021 budget proposal gives the first peek into the Air Force's acquisition plans for new utility helicopters that will patrol the military's intercontinental ballistic missile silos -- showing an anticipated expenditure of $1.9 billion on 54 MH-139 Grey Wolf aircraft across the future years defense program.

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