{"id":6946,"date":"2019-12-27T11:00:26","date_gmt":"2019-12-27T11:00:26","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/one.sightlinemg.com\/defensenews\/uncategorized\/2019\/12\/16\/year-in-review-top-stories-from-2019\/"},"modified":"2026-08-07T23:29:29","modified_gmt":"2026-08-07T23:29:29","slug":"year-in-review-top-stories-from-2019","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/one.sightlinemg.com\/defensenews\/global\/2019\/12\/27\/year-in-review-top-stories-from-2019\/","title":{"rendered":"Year in review: Top stories from 2019"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<div class=\"wp-block-jetpack-slideshow aligncenter\" data-effect=\"slide\"><div class=\"wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_container swiper\"><ul class=\"wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_swiper-wrapper swiper-wrapper\"><li class=\"wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_slide swiper-slide\"><figure><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2048\" height=\"1359\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_image wp-image-9358\" data-id=\"9358\" src=\"\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/5704362.jpg.jpg\" srcset=\"https:\/\/one.sightlinemg.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/5704362.jpg.jpg 2048w, https:\/\/one.sightlinemg.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/5704362.jpg.jpg?resize=300,199 300w, https:\/\/one.sightlinemg.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/5704362.jpg.jpg?resize=768,510 768w, https:\/\/one.sightlinemg.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/5704362.jpg.jpg?resize=1024,680 1024w, https:\/\/one.sightlinemg.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/5704362.jpg.jpg?resize=1536,1019 1536w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 2048px) 100vw, 2048px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_caption gallery-caption\">In September, the U.S. Air Force barred the KC-46 from carrying cargo and passengers. Following the successful installation and testing of a new cargo lock design, the service on Dec. 18 officially declared the problem as \u201cclosed.&#8221; The original decision followed an incident where the cargo locks on the bottom of the floor of the aircraft became unlocked during a flight, creating concerns that airmen could potentially be hurt or killed by heavy equipment that suddenly bursts free during flight. (Senior Airman Christian Conrad\/U.S. Air Force)<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/li><li class=\"wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_slide swiper-slide\"><figure><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"5472\" height=\"3648\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_image wp-image-9373\" data-id=\"9373\" src=\"\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/GettyImages-951026148.jpg.jpg\" srcset=\"https:\/\/one.sightlinemg.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/GettyImages-951026148.jpg.jpg 5472w, https:\/\/one.sightlinemg.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/GettyImages-951026148.jpg.jpg?resize=300,200 300w, https:\/\/one.sightlinemg.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/GettyImages-951026148.jpg.jpg?resize=768,512 768w, https:\/\/one.sightlinemg.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/GettyImages-951026148.jpg.jpg?resize=1024,683 1024w, https:\/\/one.sightlinemg.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/GettyImages-951026148.jpg.jpg?resize=1536,1024 1536w, https:\/\/one.sightlinemg.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/GettyImages-951026148.jpg.jpg?resize=2048,1365 2048w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 5472px) 100vw, 5472px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_caption gallery-caption\">In the illustrious history of the F-35 fighter jet, add a pony farm outside Berlin as the place where radar-maker Hensoldt claimed the plane\u2019s stealth cover was blown. The German company told Defense News it tracked two F-35s for 150 kilometers following the 2018 Berlin Air Show in late April of that year. (Sean Gallup\/Getty Images)<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/li><li class=\"wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_slide swiper-slide\"><figure><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"3479\" height=\"1957\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_image wp-image-9380\" data-id=\"9380\" src=\"\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/sonobuoy_navy.jpg.jpg\" srcset=\"https:\/\/one.sightlinemg.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/sonobuoy_navy.jpg.jpg 3479w, https:\/\/one.sightlinemg.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/sonobuoy_navy.jpg.jpg?resize=300,169 300w, https:\/\/one.sightlinemg.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/sonobuoy_navy.jpg.jpg?resize=768,432 768w, https:\/\/one.sightlinemg.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/sonobuoy_navy.jpg.jpg?resize=1024,576 1024w, https:\/\/one.sightlinemg.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/sonobuoy_navy.jpg.jpg?resize=1536,864 1536w, https:\/\/one.sightlinemg.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/sonobuoy_navy.jpg.jpg?resize=2048,1152 2048w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 3479px) 100vw, 3479px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_caption gallery-caption\">With its sonobuoy supplier disappearing, the Pentagon began preparing funds to find alternatives. Even the U.S. president got involved: In March, he signed a memo invoking the Defense Production Act to declare domestic production for the five types of AN\/SSQ sonobuoys \u201cessential to the national defense\u201d and granting the Pentagon authorities to sustain and expand the capability. The Air Force, in anticipation, issued a market research solicitation to find more suppliers. (Lt. Cmdr Alan Johnson\/U.S. Navy)<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/li><li class=\"wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_slide swiper-slide\"><figure><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"3360\" height=\"2240\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_image wp-image-9395\" data-id=\"9395\" src=\"\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/5628770.jpg.jpg\" srcset=\"https:\/\/one.sightlinemg.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/5628770.jpg.jpg 3360w, https:\/\/one.sightlinemg.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/5628770.jpg.jpg?resize=300,200 300w, https:\/\/one.sightlinemg.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/5628770.jpg.jpg?resize=768,512 768w, https:\/\/one.sightlinemg.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/5628770.jpg.jpg?resize=1024,683 1024w, https:\/\/one.sightlinemg.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/5628770.jpg.jpg?resize=1536,1024 1536w, https:\/\/one.sightlinemg.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/5628770.jpg.jpg?resize=2048,1365 2048w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 3360px) 100vw, 3360px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_caption gallery-caption\">Say goodbye to hot meals and indoor toilets. In July, the U.S. Air Force embraced the suck as it considered how it might fight in a war against near-peer adversaries. The service was participating in Operation Rapid Forge, an exercise held in Europe that was meant to test the Air Force\u2019s ability to rapidly deploy to partner nation bases \u2014 and in some cases, to live in the spartan conditions airmen could face in a battle with a near-peer adversary like Russia or China. (Sgt. Alexis Washburn-Jasinski\/U.S. Army)<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/li><li class=\"wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_slide swiper-slide\"><figure><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"3000\" height=\"2357\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_image wp-image-9401\" data-id=\"9401\" src=\"\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/2929039.jpg.jpg\" srcset=\"https:\/\/one.sightlinemg.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/2929039.jpg.jpg 3000w, https:\/\/one.sightlinemg.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/2929039.jpg.jpg?resize=300,236 300w, https:\/\/one.sightlinemg.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/2929039.jpg.jpg?resize=768,603 768w, https:\/\/one.sightlinemg.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/2929039.jpg.jpg?resize=1024,805 1024w, https:\/\/one.sightlinemg.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/2929039.jpg.jpg?resize=1536,1207 1536w, https:\/\/one.sightlinemg.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/2929039.jpg.jpg?resize=2048,1609 2048w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 3000px) 100vw, 3000px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_caption gallery-caption\">Documents provided to Defense News revealed issues facing the F-35 fighter jet as it neared a major milestone. One issue in particular stood out to readers: Supersonic speeds could cause big problems for the jet\u2032s stealth coating. (Andy Wolfe\/U.S. Navy)<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/li><li class=\"wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_slide swiper-slide\"><figure><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2048\" height=\"1195\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_image wp-image-9412\" data-id=\"9412\" src=\"\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/32829152298_d534f766a7_k.jpg.jpg\" srcset=\"https:\/\/one.sightlinemg.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/32829152298_d534f766a7_k.jpg.jpg 2048w, https:\/\/one.sightlinemg.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/32829152298_d534f766a7_k.jpg.jpg?resize=300,175 300w, https:\/\/one.sightlinemg.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/32829152298_d534f766a7_k.jpg.jpg?resize=768,448 768w, https:\/\/one.sightlinemg.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/32829152298_d534f766a7_k.jpg.jpg?resize=1024,598 1024w, https:\/\/one.sightlinemg.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/32829152298_d534f766a7_k.jpg.jpg?resize=1536,896 1536w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 2048px) 100vw, 2048px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_caption gallery-caption\">More than a quarter of Air Mobility Command\u2019s C-130 Hercules fleet were temporarily removed from service after \u201catypical\u201d cracking was found. During scheduled depot maintenance, the U.S. Air Force discovered cracking of the lower center wing joint. A total of 123 of 450 C-130H and C-130J aircraft were temporarily grounded while inspections took place. (Yasuo Osakabe\/U.S. Air Force)<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/li><li class=\"wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_slide swiper-slide\"><figure><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1200\" height=\"675\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_image wp-image-3082\" data-id=\"3082\" src=\"\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/AF5.jpg.jpg\" srcset=\"https:\/\/one.sightlinemg.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/AF5.jpg.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/one.sightlinemg.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/AF5.jpg.jpg?resize=300,169 300w, https:\/\/one.sightlinemg.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/AF5.jpg.jpg?resize=768,432 768w, https:\/\/one.sightlinemg.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/AF5.jpg.jpg?resize=1024,576 1024w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_caption gallery-caption\">The U.S. Air Force\u2019s acquisition executive told Defense News during an exclusive interview that the service plans to radically alter the acquisition strategy for its next generation of fighter jets. Will Roper said the new approach could require industry to design, develop and produce a new fighter in five years or less. (U.S. Air Force Research Laboratory)<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/li><li class=\"wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_slide swiper-slide\"><figure><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1200\" height=\"632\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_image wp-image-9428\" data-id=\"9428\" src=\"\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/sea_hunter.jpg.jpg\" srcset=\"https:\/\/one.sightlinemg.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/sea_hunter.jpg.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/one.sightlinemg.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/sea_hunter.jpg.jpg?resize=300,158 300w, https:\/\/one.sightlinemg.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/sea_hunter.jpg.jpg?resize=768,404 768w, https:\/\/one.sightlinemg.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/sea_hunter.jpg.jpg?resize=1024,539 1024w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_caption gallery-caption\">The U.S. Navy is taking its first few steps into a radical future, which, if it comes to pass, will upend how the fleet has fought since the Cold War. Then-Rear Adm. Ron Boxall told Defense News, when he was the surface warfare director, about the service&#8217;s plan to develop and unleash lethal, unmanned robot ships as a means to counter Chinese maritime advancements and, to a more limited extent, those of Russia. (U.S. Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency)<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/li><li class=\"wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_slide swiper-slide\"><figure><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1200\" height=\"799\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_image wp-image-9437\" data-id=\"9437\" src=\"\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/preble.jpg.jpg\" srcset=\"https:\/\/one.sightlinemg.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/preble.jpg.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/one.sightlinemg.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/preble.jpg.jpg?resize=300,200 300w, https:\/\/one.sightlinemg.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/preble.jpg.jpg?resize=768,511 768w, https:\/\/one.sightlinemg.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/preble.jpg.jpg?resize=1024,682 1024w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_caption gallery-caption\">Then-Rear Adm. Ron Boxall in May told Defense News that the U.S. Navy is going to get its High Energy Laser and Integrated Optical-dazzler with Surveillance system, or HELIOS, on the Hawaii-based destroyer Preble in 2021. HELIOS is a 60-kilowatt laser with room to grow to 150 kilowatts. The requirement for the laser stemmed from the proliferation of high-tech, anti-ship cruise missiles that travel at ever-increasing speeds with greater degrees of sophistication. (MC3 Morgan Nall\/U.S. Navy)<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/li><li class=\"wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_slide swiper-slide\"><figure><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"6852\" height=\"3158\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_image wp-image-9443\" data-id=\"9443\" src=\"\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/Bell-360-Invictus-2.jpg.jpg\" srcset=\"https:\/\/one.sightlinemg.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/Bell-360-Invictus-2.jpg.jpg 6852w, https:\/\/one.sightlinemg.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/Bell-360-Invictus-2.jpg.jpg?resize=300,138 300w, https:\/\/one.sightlinemg.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/Bell-360-Invictus-2.jpg.jpg?resize=768,354 768w, https:\/\/one.sightlinemg.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/Bell-360-Invictus-2.jpg.jpg?resize=1024,472 1024w, https:\/\/one.sightlinemg.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/Bell-360-Invictus-2.jpg.jpg?resize=1536,708 1536w, https:\/\/one.sightlinemg.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/Bell-360-Invictus-2.jpg.jpg?resize=2048,944 2048w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 6852px) 100vw, 6852px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_caption gallery-caption\">Bell pulled the shroud off its future attack reconnaissance aircraft design for the U.S. Army on Oct. 1. The Bell 360 Invictus is based on 525 technology, but with several key differences, including its size in order to adhere to the Army requirement of 40-foot-diameter rotor blades. (Courtesy of Bell)<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/li><\/ul><a class=\"wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_button-prev swiper-button-prev swiper-button-white\" role=\"button\"><\/a><a class=\"wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_button-next swiper-button-next swiper-button-white\" role=\"button\"><\/a><a aria-label=\"Pause Slideshow\" class=\"wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_button-pause\" role=\"button\"><\/a><div class=\"wp-block-jetpack-slideshow_pagination swiper-pagination swiper-pagination-white\"><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Troubles with the F-35, plans for killer robot ships and a lack of indoor toilets: Here are the top stories from the year. (And <a href=\"https:\/\/www.defensenews.com\/global\/2018\/12\/20\/year-in-review-top-stories-from-2018\/\" target=_blank>click here<\/a> to see what made the 2018 list!)<\/p>\n\n\n\t<aside class=\"smg-interstitial-link wp-block-smg-interstitial-link\">\n\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/one.sightlinemg.com\/defensenews\/breaking-news\/2019\/09\/11\/air-force-restricts-kc-46-from-carrying-cargo-and-personnel\/\" class=\"smg-interstitial-link__inner\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"smg-interstitial-link__media\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"300\" height=\"199\" src=\"https:\/\/one.sightlinemg.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/5704362.jpg.jpg?w=300\" class=\"smg-interstitial-link__image wp-post-image\" alt=\"\" \/>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"smg-interstitial-link__content\">\n\t\t\t\t<span class=\"smg-interstitial-link__kicker\">Related<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"smg-interstitial-link__title\">US Air Force restricts KC-46 from carrying cargo and passengers<\/h3>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p class=\"smg-interstitial-link__excerpt\">The KC-46 has added another critical deficiency to the list, and it&#039;s the most serious problem yet.<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/a>\n\t<\/aside>\n\t\n\n\t<aside class=\"smg-interstitial-link wp-block-smg-interstitial-link\">\n\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/one.sightlinemg.com\/c4isrnet\/intel-geoint\/sensors\/2019\/09\/30\/stealthy-no-more-a-german-radar-vendor-says-it-tracked-the-f-35-jet-in-2018-from-a-pony-farm\/\" class=\"smg-interstitial-link__inner\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"smg-interstitial-link__media\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"300\" height=\"200\" src=\"https:\/\/one.sightlinemg.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/GettyImages-951026148.jpg.jpg?w=300\" class=\"smg-interstitial-link__image wp-post-image\" alt=\"\" \/>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"smg-interstitial-link__content\">\n\t\t\t\t<span class=\"smg-interstitial-link__kicker\">Related<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"smg-interstitial-link__title\">Stealthy no more? A German radar vendor says it tracked the F-35 jet in 2018 \u2014 from a pony farm<\/h3>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p class=\"smg-interstitial-link__excerpt\">In the illustrious history of the F-35 fighter jet, add a pony farm outside Berlin as the place where radar-maker Hensoldt claims the plane\u2019s stealth cover was blown.<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/a>\n\t<\/aside>\n\t\n\n\t<aside class=\"smg-interstitial-link wp-block-smg-interstitial-link\">\n\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/one.sightlinemg.com\/defensenews\/digital-show-dailies\/navy-league\/2019\/05\/01\/us-could-lose-a-key-weapon-for-tracking-chinese-and-russian-subs\/\" class=\"smg-interstitial-link__inner\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"smg-interstitial-link__media\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"300\" height=\"169\" src=\"https:\/\/one.sightlinemg.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/sonobuoy_navy.jpg.jpg?w=300\" class=\"smg-interstitial-link__image wp-post-image\" alt=\"\" \/>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"smg-interstitial-link__content\">\n\t\t\t\t<span class=\"smg-interstitial-link__kicker\">Related<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"smg-interstitial-link__title\">US could lose a key weapon for tracking Chinese and Russian subs<\/h3>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p class=\"smg-interstitial-link__excerpt\">With the one supplier disappearing, Pentagon is preparing to spend cash to find alternatives for sonobuoy production. But the clock has started to run.<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/a>\n\t<\/aside>\n\t\n\n\t<aside class=\"smg-interstitial-link wp-block-smg-interstitial-link\">\n\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/one.sightlinemg.com\/defensenews\/smr\/a-modern-nato\/2019\/08\/28\/denied-hot-meals-and-indoor-toilets-us-airmen-prepare-for-the-fog-of-war\/\" class=\"smg-interstitial-link__inner\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"smg-interstitial-link__media\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"300\" height=\"200\" src=\"https:\/\/one.sightlinemg.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/5628770.jpg.jpg?w=300\" class=\"smg-interstitial-link__image wp-post-image\" alt=\"\" \/>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"smg-interstitial-link__content\">\n\t\t\t\t<span class=\"smg-interstitial-link__kicker\">Related<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"smg-interstitial-link__title\">Denied hot meals and indoor toilets, US airmen prepare for the fog of war<\/h3>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p class=\"smg-interstitial-link__excerpt\">The U.S. Air Force is embracing the suck as it considers how it might fight in a war against near-peer adversaries.<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/a>\n\t<\/aside>\n\t\n\n\t<aside class=\"smg-interstitial-link wp-block-smg-interstitial-link\">\n\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/one.sightlinemg.com\/defensenews\/air\/2019\/06\/12\/supersonic-speeds-could-cause-big-problems-for-the-f-35s-stealth-coating\/\" class=\"smg-interstitial-link__inner\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"smg-interstitial-link__media\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"300\" height=\"236\" src=\"https:\/\/one.sightlinemg.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/2929039.jpg.jpg?w=300\" class=\"smg-interstitial-link__image wp-post-image\" alt=\"\" \/>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"smg-interstitial-link__content\">\n\t\t\t\t<span class=\"smg-interstitial-link__kicker\">Related<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"smg-interstitial-link__title\">Supersonic speeds could cause big problems for the F-35\u2032s stealth coating<\/h3>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p class=\"smg-interstitial-link__excerpt\">Supersonic flight at the edge of the F-35 jet&#039;s flight envelope could cause structural damage or degrade its stealth coating, warn documents exclusively obtained by Defense News.<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/a>\n\t<\/aside>\n\t\n\n\t<aside class=\"smg-interstitial-link wp-block-smg-interstitial-link\">\n\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/one.sightlinemg.com\/defensenews\/air\/2019\/08\/08\/air-force-pauses-flight-ops-for-more-than-a-hundred-c-130s-after-atypical-cracking-found\/\" class=\"smg-interstitial-link__inner\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"smg-interstitial-link__media\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"300\" height=\"175\" src=\"https:\/\/one.sightlinemg.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/32829152298_d534f766a7_k.jpg.jpg?w=300\" class=\"smg-interstitial-link__image wp-post-image\" alt=\"\" \/>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"smg-interstitial-link__content\">\n\t\t\t\t<span class=\"smg-interstitial-link__kicker\">Related<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"smg-interstitial-link__title\">US Air Force pauses flight ops for more than a hundred C-130s over \u2018atypical\u2019 cracking<\/h3>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p class=\"smg-interstitial-link__excerpt\">More than a quarter of C-130 Hercules in service at Air Mobility Command will be temporarily grounded.<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/a>\n\t<\/aside>\n\t\n\n\t<aside class=\"smg-interstitial-link wp-block-smg-interstitial-link\">\n\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/one.sightlinemg.com\/defensenews\/digital-show-dailies\/2019\/09\/16\/the-us-air-forces-radical-plan-for-a-future-fighter-could-field-a-jet-in-5-years\/\" class=\"smg-interstitial-link__inner\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"smg-interstitial-link__media\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"300\" height=\"169\" src=\"https:\/\/one.sightlinemg.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/AF5.jpg.jpg?w=300\" class=\"smg-interstitial-link__image wp-post-image\" alt=\"\" \/>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"smg-interstitial-link__content\">\n\t\t\t\t<span class=\"smg-interstitial-link__kicker\">Related<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"smg-interstitial-link__title\">The US Air Force\u2019s radical plan for a future fighter could field a jet in 5 years<\/h3>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p class=\"smg-interstitial-link__excerpt\">The U.S. Air Force is seeking rapid-fire plane production as it tries to surpass the capabilities of near-peer competitors like Russia and China.<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/a>\n\t<\/aside>\n\t\n\n\t<aside class=\"smg-interstitial-link wp-block-smg-interstitial-link\">\n\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/one.sightlinemg.com\/defensenews\/naval\/2019\/01\/15\/the-us-navy-moves-toward-unleashing-killer-robot-ships-on-the-worlds-oceans\/\" class=\"smg-interstitial-link__inner\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"smg-interstitial-link__media\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"300\" height=\"158\" src=\"https:\/\/one.sightlinemg.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/sea_hunter.jpg.jpg?w=300\" class=\"smg-interstitial-link__image wp-post-image\" alt=\"\" \/>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"smg-interstitial-link__content\">\n\t\t\t\t<span class=\"smg-interstitial-link__kicker\">Related<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"smg-interstitial-link__title\">US Navy moves toward unleashing killer robot ships on the world\u2019s oceans<\/h3>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p class=\"smg-interstitial-link__excerpt\">The Navy is planning to take the first few steps into a radical future, which, if it comes to pass, will upend how the fleet has fought since the Cold War.<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/a>\n\t<\/aside>\n\t\n\n\t<aside class=\"smg-interstitial-link wp-block-smg-interstitial-link\">\n\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/one.sightlinemg.com\/defensenews\/naval\/2019\/05\/23\/when-it-comes-to-missile-killing-lasers-the-us-navy-is-ready-to-burn-its-ships\/\" class=\"smg-interstitial-link__inner\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"smg-interstitial-link__media\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"300\" height=\"200\" src=\"https:\/\/one.sightlinemg.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/preble.jpg.jpg?w=300\" class=\"smg-interstitial-link__image wp-post-image\" alt=\"\" \/>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"smg-interstitial-link__content\">\n\t\t\t\t<span class=\"smg-interstitial-link__kicker\">Related<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"smg-interstitial-link__title\">When it comes to missile-killing lasers, the US Navy is ready to burn its ships<\/h3>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p class=\"smg-interstitial-link__excerpt\">A Hawaii-based destroyer will be the first surface combatant to integrate a laser.<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/a>\n\t<\/aside>\n\t\n\n\t<aside class=\"smg-interstitial-link wp-block-smg-interstitial-link\">\n\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/one.sightlinemg.com\/defensenews\/land\/2019\/10\/02\/bell-unshrouds-invictus-its-answer-for-the-us-armys-future-attack-recon-aircraft\/\" class=\"smg-interstitial-link__inner\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"smg-interstitial-link__media\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"300\" height=\"138\" src=\"https:\/\/one.sightlinemg.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/Bell-360-Invictus-2.jpg.jpg?w=300\" class=\"smg-interstitial-link__image wp-post-image\" alt=\"\" \/>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"smg-interstitial-link__content\">\n\t\t\t\t<span class=\"smg-interstitial-link__kicker\">Related<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"smg-interstitial-link__title\">Bell unshrouds Invictus, its answer for the US Army\u2019s future attack recon aircraft<\/h3>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p class=\"smg-interstitial-link__excerpt\">The Bell 360 Invictus is the company&#039;s submission for the future attack reconnaissance aircraft, and it&#039;s not a tilt rotor.<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/a>\n\t<\/aside>\n\t","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Troubles with the F-35, plans for killer robot ships and a lack of indoor toilets. 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