According to Ken Krieg the proposed merger of launch services by Lockheed Martin and Boeing probably doesn’t fall within his “more competition rather than less” framework. Questioned about the Pentagon’s position on the creation of the United Launch Services, Kreig told reporters, “No comment” because “that is a very active piece of work” between DOD and the Federal Trade Commission. So, earlier reports of his approval may have been premature. Still, pressed that the merger would create a monopoly, he said, “I gave you my views on the desire for competition, but it’s got to be competition for which there is real competition.”
The Air Force is targeting August 2027 for its new T-7A Red Hawk trainer jet to reach its initial operational capability. To get there, the head of Air and Education Training has three milestones he needs to see the program hit.
