Air Force and Army officials signed an agreement Wednesday that formally provides for the two services to jointly pursue the Joint Cargo Aircraft program, reports Reuters news service. The Army was further along in developing requirements for what it initially called the Future Cargo Aircraft than the Air Force, which had just begun to develop a Light Cargo Program when DOD directed merger of the two programs. There are three contenders that have suggested various airframes. The big question now is whether Congress will restore 2007 funding cut by the Senate Armed Services Committee.
The Air Force could conduct an operation like Israel's successful air campaign against Iran's nuclear sites, military leadership and air defenses, but readiness issues would make it risky, airpower experts said. Limited spare parts and training, low mission capable rates and few flying hours would put a drag on USAF's…