Despite the “thumbs down” view of the QDR and Mobility Capabilities Study on procuring more than 180 C-17 airlifters, Sen. Jim Talent (R-Mo.) has enlisted a bipartisan group to push the White House to keep the production line open—taking the number to 222. A letter sent to President Bush cites the Defense Science Board position that closing the line too soon would pose an unnecessary risk.
The U.S. military conducted strikes on Iranian targets around the Strait of Hormuz on May 7, as the conflict with Iran flared up again—though officials say the ceasefire remains in effect.