The INSIDER daily digest

We start off this Friday INSIDER Daily Digest with some missile defense news:

Army, Northrop, Raytheon notch cruise missile intercept in first test of new system

A new Army missile defense system -- still in development and also being readied for potential export to Europe and the Middle East -- scored a direct hit on a cruise missile target in its first intercept attempt, early validation of the $6.9 billion Integrated Air and Missile Defense Battle Command System (IBCS) that aims to integrate all air and missile defense sensors, weapons and mission control.

Lots of Air Force news to talk about today as well:

Air Force to determine GPS OCX way ahead by early next year

The Air Force and the Office of the Secretary of Defense are preparing to launch a second deep dive review of the next-generation Global Positioning System operational control segment, and should know within two months whether the service will continue forward with the current development program.

JSTARS risk reduction continues without milestone A approval

The Air Force's plan to recapitalize its Joint Surveillance Target Attack Radar System has been approved for continued risk-reduction work, but the service is still awaiting milestone A approval for the program.

Air Force relying on European partners for near-term Mi-17 sustainment

The Afghan Air Force is investigating a replacement for its Mi-17 helicopters, but until a long-term solution is found, the U.S. military is turning toward former Soviet Bloc nations to keep them flying.

Air Force finalizing funding profile, timing for Air Force One replacement

With an approved acquisition strategy in place, the Air Force is now working to define a risk-reduction plan for the Presidential Aircraft Replacement program.

EC-130H simulator provides cost savings for 55th Wing training forces

The addition of a new EC-130H Compass Call simulator at Air Combat Command's Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, AZ has not only provided high-fidelity training for the 55th Wing, it is also projected to save more than $18,000 per training mission, according to command officials.