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
The Insider | August 17, 2020

The Air Force has awarded General Atomics a contract to sell Belgium four MQ-9B SkyGuardians -- the latest variant in the Predator drone series.

The Insider | August 17, 2020

The Air Force has awarded Lockheed Martin a first-of-its-kind indefinite-delivery, indefinite-quantity contract to sell foreign militaries commoditized F-16 fighter jets off the latest Block 70 production line.

The Insider | August 14, 2020

The Air Force this week revealed a new hypersonics program called "Mayhem" which aims to develop an expendable, scramjet-powered demonstrator capable of carrying larger payloads over longer distances than current hypersonic capabilities can achieve.

Daily News | August 13, 2020

The Air Force is slated to award Lockheed Martin a first-of-its-kind indefinite-delivery, indefinite-quantity contract tomorrow to sell foreign militaries commoditized F-16 fighter jets off the latest Block 70 production line. (UPDATED)

Daily News | August 11, 2020

Boeing is on schedule to begin delivering units later this year for a new upgrade of the Minuteman III's cryptography system that will enhance the security of the legacy intercontinental ballistic missiles' launch codes and launch facilities through the 2030s.

The Insider | August 10, 2020

The Air Force used a B-52 to perform the final captive-carry test of the Air-launched Rapid Response Weapon on Aug. 8, demonstrating the hypersonic vehicle's ability to transmit telemetry and GPS data to ground stations off the coast of Southern California.

The Insider | August 6, 2020

The Air Force has selected Boeing, Lockheed Martin and Raytheon to perform early work on the Future Hypersonics Program that seeks to develop a solid-rocket, air-breathing hypersonic cruise missile that can be launched from fighter or bomber aircraft.

Daily News | August 5, 2020

Sikorsky will deliver the first production lot of HH-60W Combat Rescue Helicopters one month later than expected next year because of issues created by the coronavirus pandemic, according to an Air Force spokesman.

Daily News | August 5, 2020

The new Air Force Research Laboratory commander wants to speed up by two years the organization's plan to invest 20% of its science and technology budget in "transformational" capabilities.

The Insider | August 4, 2020

The military today launched an unarmed Minuteman III intercontinental ballistic missile integrated with three test reentry vehicles from the Airborne Launch Control System at Vandenberg Air Force Base, CA.

Daily News | August 3, 2020

The Minuteman III replacement team must transition 20 launch facilities -- each loaded with an in-silo missile and deployed with a legacy reentry vehicle and warhead -- to achieve initial operational capability on the new intercontinental ballistic missile system in fiscal year 2029.

The Insider | August 3, 2020

The Air Force has added eight companies to the industry team building out the Advanced Battle Management System -- the service's flagship program to enable joint all-domain command and control.

Daily News | July 31, 2020

The Trump administration is touting its export policy for unmanned aerial systems as a win for American companies, but some industry representatives say the government still hasn't fixed ongoing restrictions that hinder business.

Daily News | July 28, 2020

The Air Force will decide in the next 60 to 90 days which of its four initial Skyborg prototyping competitors will have their drones participate in operational experiments to build the service's first autonomous vehicle for manned-unmanned teaming.

Daily News | July 27, 2020

The National Nuclear Security Administration has created potential risks for the W80-4 life-extension program by setting an unrealistic deadline to deliver the first production unit, according to a government watchdog.

Daily News | July 23, 2020

The Air Force has chosen Boeing, General Atomics, Kratos Defense & Security Solutions and Northrop Grumman as initial contractors to support the Skyborg program and compete for tasks worth up to $400 million.

The Insider | July 23, 2020

The Air Force Life Cycle Management Center has released a request for information as the armament systems development division develops a trade space analysis for a new maritime strike weapon.

Daily News | July 23, 2020

The Air Force Research Laboratory has selected Raytheon as the winner of a $375 million contract to develop the secretive miniature self-defense missile after a months-long bidding competition with Lockheed Martin.

Daily News | July 22, 2020

The Long-Range Standoff Weapon effort requires full funding in fiscal year 2021 to accelerate some testing and make the schedule more flexible, according to an Air Force spokeswoman, but House appropriators have recommended reducing the program's budget.

Daily News | July 20, 2020

As the Air Force looks to ramp up production of anti-ship missiles, House appropriators argue proposed buys in fiscal year 2021 are premature and suggest zeroing out funding, while Senate authorizers recommend accelerating purchases to meet growing needs in the Indo-Pacific region.

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