Will Roper Archives

U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Alex Edwards, 125th Fighter Wing Detachment 1 commander, responds to a simulated alert call during the Advanced Battle Management System Onramp 2 demonstration out of Homestead Air Reserve Base, Fla., Sept. 3, 2020. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Nicholas Dutton)

Air Force awards potential $46B digital engineering contract vehicle

Booz Allen and Lockheed Martin are among the contractors selected, alongside a host of smaller startups.

Sep 7, 2021 By Jackson Barnett

Will Roper, Air Force — Will Roper holds an “Ask Me Anything” event online at the Pentagon in September 2020. (DoD / Lisa Ferdinando)

Former Air Force procurement leader Roper named CEO of drone firm Volansi

Will Roper has previously advocated strongly for the adoption of new military technology by DOD.

Jul 8, 2021 By Jackson Barnett

The U.S. Air Force’s 10th Wideband Global Satcom communications satellite (WGS-10) atop a United Launch Alliance Delta 4 rocket lifts off on Friday, Mar. 15, 2019 from Space Launch Complex-37B at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, Florida.

Air Force brings Hack-a-Sat back for second year

Hackers will again be unleashed on satellites operated by the Air Force for the second iteration of Hack-a-Sat.

May 4, 2021 By Jackson Barnett

Former Air Force tech leader Will Roper joins Pallas Advisors

Pallas Advisors announced that Roper joined the strategic advisory firm Tuesday morning as a senior counselor, a part-time gig.

Feb 16, 2021 By Jackson Barnett

An F-15E Strike Eagle painted in the heritage colors of it’s P-47 Thunderbolt predecessor takes off from Royal Air Force Lakenheath, England Feb 6. The 48th Fighter Wing officially unveiled the aircraft publicly during a ceremony on Jan 31. (U.S. Air Force photo/Tech. Sgt. Matthew Plew)

Air Force builds digital twin for weapons with ABMS

The Air Force is using ABMS to help build digital twins, a move that pairs two top emerging technology priorities.

Jan 25, 2021 By Jackson Barnett

Will Roper discusses “The Future Air Force, Faster, Smarter: The Next Gear” during the Air Force Association Air, Space and Cyber Conference in National Harbor, Md., Sept. 16, 2019. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Chad Trujillo)

Will Roper to whoever replaces him at Air Force: Stay agile

"The role of the service acquisition executive is now different," says the departing assistant Air Force secretary of acquisition, technology and logistics.

Jan 19, 2021 By Jackson Barnett

Joby Aviation, flying car — (Joby Aviation)

Air Force to test flying cars in early 2021

The Agility Prime program, which pulls in private investment, is ready for another test of flying cars for military and commercial markets.

Dec 18, 2020 By Jackson Barnett

(U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Luis A. Ruiz-Vazquez)

Air Force flies surveillance simulation with AI copilot for the first time

The algorithm was in charge of manipulating the sensor to locate enemy launchers.

Dec 18, 2020 By Sara Wilson

Space Force Uniform — The chief of space operations for the U.S. Space Force displays the service’s uniform nametapes in the Pentagon Jan. 17 in Arlington, Virginia. (U.S. Air Force / Tech. Sgt. Robert Barnett)

Space Force gets its own ‘werx’ innovation center

SpaceWERX will reflect the closeness the new Space Force will have with the private sector, officials say.

Dec 8, 2020 By Jackson Barnett

Dr. Will Roper speaks at the Air Force Association’s Air Warfare Symposium in Orlando, Florida, Feb. 27, 2019. (U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. DeAndre Curtiss)

Air Force’s ABMS gets program office, helping allay Congress’ fears

The PEO will be in charge of acquisition strategy and has a mandate to be cross-cutting and work to bring in as many partners as possible to…

Nov 24, 2020 By Jackson Barnett