Air & Space Forces Mag
• Todd South
The U.S. Navy is developing the AIM-424 Malice, a long-range air-to-air missile intended for current and future-generation aircraft. Its reported 287-mile range exceeds the onboard radar reach of the aircraft carrying it, requiring offboard targeting; the Air Force is closely monitoring the program for potential fighter applications.
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Google and an AI-training startup reportedly bid for data from Spirit Airlines’ bankruptcy auction, underscoring the growing value of distressed companies’ operational and commercial records. The development highlights how bankruptcies are creating unusual data sources for training models intended to support real-world business decisions.
The U.S. Navy is developing the AIM-424 Malice, a long-range air-to-air missile intended for current and future-generation aircraft. Its reported 287-mile range exceeds the onboard radar reach of the aircraft carrying it, requiring offboard targeting; the Air Force is closely monitoring the program for potential fighter applications.
A Russian Molniya drone reportedly navigated and selected its target entirely through artificial intelligence in a strike that killed three civilians in Ukraine. The reported use of autonomous targeting in an active conflict raises significant questions about drone development, operational control and civilian protection.
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SpaceX reportedly acquired xAI in an all-stock transaction valuing the combined company at $1.25 trillion, a figure that would make it the largest merger on record. The reported deal brings a major launch provider and an artificial-intelligence company under common ownership.
All Nippon Airways is introducing remotely controlled “newme” robots to answer passenger questions at Japanese regional airports with limited staffing. The deployment reflects how airlines are using telepresence and automation to maintain customer-service coverage as Japan’s workforce shrinks, without requiring permanent personnel at every station.
United Airlines CEO Scott Kirby outlined his views on potential large-scale airline transactions, the role of artificial intelligence and the carrier’s strategic direction in a wide-ranging CNBC interview. The discussion offers insight into how United is framing consolidation and technology as it plans for the future.
Saab displayed a full-scale mock-up of its A3 autonomous combat-aircraft concept, designed to complement Gripen E and other fighters in combat, deep-strike and electronic-warfare missions. The company says the high-end unmanned system could also influence its next crewed combat aircraft, while GKN Aerospace has demonstrated a newly developed Swedish turbojet.
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SpaceX has faced a difficult ride on Wall Street, with its shares down 5.74%, even as Elon Musk’s space and artificial-intelligence company accumulates significant wins in Washington. The contrast highlights divergent investor sentiment and political momentum surrounding the company’s businesses.
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