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.
Air Combat Command is looking for defense firms capable of providing a private counter-drone service, complete with the personnel to operate it, for defending air bases across the Air Force.