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 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.

Daily News | March 16, 2023

The Air Force is trying to rapidly replace its decaying E-3 Airborne Warning and Control System platform, but efforts to speed up the timeline for fielding the E-7 Wedgetail aren’t looking fruitful, service Secretary Frank Kendall said.

The Insider | March 16, 2023

The Air Force plans to buy 268 Norwegian-made Joint Strike Missiles over the next five years, according to a notice posted Wednesday.

Daily News | March 16, 2023

Air Force Secretary Frank Kendall said this week that if he had one regret with his fiscal year 2024 budget request, it would be the decision not to move forward with the Adaptive Engine Transition Program for the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter.

Daily News | March 13, 2023

The Air Force will not seek any procurement funding for hypersonic missile efforts, but research funding has been requested for two of the service's highest-profile hypersonic programs, Deputy Assistant Secretary for Budget Maj. Gen. Mike Greiner said Monday.

Daily News | March 13, 2023

General Electric doubled down Monday on its belief that it has the best solution for the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter engine update despite the Air Force's decision not to move forward with an Adaptive Engine Transition Program.

Daily News | March 13, 2023

The Air Force will not move forward with the Adaptive Engine Transition Program that would have refitted F-35 Joint Strike Fighter aircraft with a new engine and will instead pursue an engine core upgrade for the platform, Secretary Frank Kendall said.

Daily News | March 10, 2023

DENVER -- The Air Force Research Laboratory moved forward its "digital transformation" effort by standing up a Digital Capabilities Department to better share data and digital tools among AFRL's teams, lab Commander Maj. Gen. Heather Pringle announced at the Air and Space Force Association's Warfare Symposium Tuesday.

Daily News | March 10, 2023

DENVER -- The Air Force expects to fall short of its recruitment goals this year, the service's top leaders said this week at the Air and Space Forces Association Warfare Symposium.

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