Air Force Space Command’s 45th Space Wing and industry partners launched a Global Positioning System IIR-M satellite aboard a United Launch Alliance Delta II booster on Oct. 17. The Lockheed Martin-built GPS Block IIR-17M satellite features enhanced operations and navigation signal performance for both military and civilian customers, per a company release. This spacecraft, launched from Cape Canaveral AFS, Fla., is the fourth IIR-M to go on orbit.
The Air Force has kicked off its search for a used airliner it can convert into a new C-40 VIP airlifter. Congress added $250 million to the 2026 budget for the effort.


