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.
KC-46’s Refueling Boom Damaged While Refueling F-22s
July 8, 2025
A U.S. Air Force KC-46 tanker suffered damage to its boom while refueling F-22 Raptors off the coast of Virginia on July 8, Air & Space Forces Magazine has confirmed, with reported radio communication from the crew indicating the boom “detached.”