The Pentagon’s QDR report (here), released Feb. 3, dramatically elevates long-range strike aircraft over fighters. The section “Joint Air Capabilities” says US airpower “must be reoriented” to emphasize “systems that have far greater range and persistence; larger and more flexible payloads … and the ability to penetrate and sustain operations in denied areas.” These systems should be able to swiftly attack “thousands of fixed and mobile targets at global ranges,” says the report.” The QDR says nothing comparable—in fact, almost nothing at all—about fighters such as the F-22 and F-35.
The Air Force has spent more than two years studying cancer risks to Airmen who work with the service's intercontinental ballistic missiles. Now lawmakers in Congress are placing fresh scrutiny on the issue and have prepared legislation that would direct the service to clean silos and launch facilities.