The Seattle Post-Intelligencer reports that the Air Force has raised the number of tanker aircraft it expects to buy initially as replacements for its elderly KC-135s from 100 to 189. The newspaper’s source is Ralph Crosby, chairman and chief executive of EADS North America, who said the number 189 surfaced about a week ago when Air Force officials briefed the Northrop-EADS team, which is offering the KC-30, on the program.
Air Force Gen. Alexus G. Grynkewich assumed command of U.S. European Command on July 1, taking over the key assignment as the U.S. and its allies contend with a resurgent Russia and a grinding war in Ukraine.
