Shelley K. Mesch

Shelley K. Mesch joined Inside Defense as an Air Force reporter in 2022. She had previously reported on business, technology and innovation at The Salt Lake Tribune and the Wisconsin State Journal.

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Archived Articles
Daily News | April 19, 2023

COLORADO SPRINGS, CO -- Space has an overclassification problem that is hindering collaboration efforts with allies and industry, officials said this week at Space Symposium.

Daily News | April 19, 2023

COLORADO SPRINGS, CO -- Air Force Secretary Frank Kendall Wednesday pushed for the passage of a legislative proposal that would allow the Defense Department to get a head start on research before securing new-start approvals from Congress.

Daily News | April 18, 2023

COLORADO SPRINGS, CO -- U.S. Space Command is on track to reach full operational capability later this year, SPACECOM Commander Gen. James Dickinson said Tuesday morning at the Space Symposium.

Daily News | April 13, 2023

The Air Force is yet again seeking to divest A-10 and F-22 aircraft it says are unsuitable for future fights, despite past congressional opposition, according to a recent bundle of legislative proposals from the Defense Department.

Daily News | April 13, 2023

The close-air support capabilities of the aging A-10 fleet don't mean much if the jets get shot down before reaching front lines, Air Combat Command chief Gen. Mark Kelly said, which is why he thinks the service's budget should be focused on fifth- and sixth-generation capabilities.

The Insider | April 13, 2023

The Air Force is seeking what it's calling Next Generation Countermeasures for its current and future reentry vehicles for the LGM-35A Sentinel nuclear missile system, according to an online posting from the service.

Daily News | April 6, 2023

The Space Force stood up a Combined Program Office in February for its Rapid Resilient Command And Control effort, according to a request for information on the program posted last week.

Daily News | April 5, 2023

The Space Development Agency will issue a request for proposals next week on its first set of Tranche 2 satellites for its Proliferated Warfighter Space Architecture, according to SDA Director Derek Tournear.

Daily News | April 5, 2023

Data transfer with decision-support software is a top priority for the Space Force as it builds out a space battle management command, control and communications network, Chief of Space Operations Gen. Chance Saltzman said Wednesday.

The Insider | March 31, 2023

Unspecified problems on Thursday delayed the first launch of the Space Development Agency's satellites until Saturday morning at the earliest, according to the agency.

Daily News | March 31, 2023

In its years-long bid to "divest to invest," the Air Force is once again asking Congress to approve the divestment of its block 20 F-22 Raptors.

Daily News | March 31, 2023

Integration of Technology Refresh 3 -- the hardware and software upgrade for the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter -- is running another year behind schedule, officials told lawmakers this week.

Daily News | March 30, 2023

The Air Force isn't planning to procure more Air-launched Rapid Response Weapon hypersonic missiles, service acquisition chief Andrew Hunter told lawmakers Wednesday.

Daily News | March 29, 2023

The Air Force plans to field its uncrewed Collaborative Combat Aircraft concept by the end of the decade, service acquisition chief Andrew Hunter told lawmakers Wednesday.

Daily News | March 28, 2023

The Air Force is "more committed" to the Hypersonic Attack Cruise Missile than the Air-launched Rapid Response weapon, service Secretary Frank Kendall said Tuesday, adding that the future of ARRW is still undecided.

Daily News | March 28, 2023

No decision has been made yet regarding whether U.S. Space Command will be moved from Colorado Springs to Huntsville, AL, Air Force Secretary Frank Kendall told lawmakers Tuesday.

Daily News | March 28, 2023

House lawmakers expressed concern Tuesday for a schedule slip in the Sentinel LGM-35A nuclear missile program, which a recent media report noted a potential two-year delay.

The Insider | March 27, 2023

The Air Force will prepare Environmental Impact Statements for the second and third main operating bases for the B-21 Raider nuclear bomber that is in development, according to a notice of intent posted Monday.

Daily News | March 23, 2023

The Air Force will begin funding research for a Next Generation Reentry Vehicle for its LGM-35A Sentinel nuclear missile, according to justification documents released along with the fiscal year 2024 budget request.

Daily News | March 20, 2023

The Air Force will need more anti-ship weapons to gain air superiority in a conflict with China over Taiwan, Pacific Air Forces Commander Gen. Kenneth Wilsbach said Monday.

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