DOD wants to accelerate NGAD program

The Defense Department is asking Congress to approve a $91 million reprogramming request to accelerate the Air Force's Next-Generation Air Dominance effort.

The service is conducting an analysis of alternatives for a future Penetrating Counterair capability, and the funds would support the effort by enabling "focused acceleration" of risk-reduction and technology development for key PCA mission systems.

The reprogramming would also help close capability gaps in areas such as advanced backplane technology, tactical cluster computing, advanced engine technologies and air vehicle integration.