The Air Force Weapons School has conducted its first exercise showing weapons school crews how to meld airlift, fighter, space, sensor, and intelligence platforms during combat airdrop operations. C-130s and C-17s from Little Rock AFB, Ark., and McGuire AFB, N.J., respectively, participated in the exercise over the Nevada Test and Training Range. Five months of effort produced an intensive, realistic scenario, including aggressor aircraft to “attack” some 30 airlifters. WPS student and C-17 mission commander Capt. Jaron Roux said it was “the first time we have done something of this magnitude, and there were no big mistakes; I think we did a good job.” (Report by A1C Ryan Whitney.)
The new defense reconciliation bill includes $7.2 billion for Air Force and Navy aviation accounts, almost half of which will buy more F-15EXs. While electronic warfare, drones, connectivity and airlift all get attention, the F-35 was conspicuously absent from the package, with no explanation given.