The Air Force’s New War Software Is Running Late and Over Budget

  • Estimated development cost almost doubles to $745 million
  • Air Force says system vital to improving air-war operations
Source: U.S. Air Force photo/Tech Sgt. Demetrius Lester
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Northrop Grumman Corp.’s program to develop an upgraded, cyber-hardened network for major air operations has almost doubled in cost and a key deadline has slipped by more than three years, according to the U.S. Air Force.

The development phase of the network is now estimated to cost $745 million, up from the original $374 million, according to a “submitted to Congress last week and obtained by Bloomberg News. Including procurement and support, the system -- for use in air operations centers to orchestrate combat, counterterrorism and humanitarian missions -- has a projected price tag of $2.98 billion.