The 2006 defense policy measure directs the Air Force to retain all its KC-135E tankers, F-117 stealth fighters, and C-130E/H model airlifters through Fiscal 2006. USAF had been planning to start shedding some of these older aircraft to save money.
The U.S. military is maintaining a beefed-up presence in the Middle East, including fighters and air defense assets, following the U.S. strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities June 22 and subsequent retaliation by the Iranians against Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar.