USAF A-10 Warthogs supplying non-stop close air support for renewed fighting in Afghanistan this summer still have to undergo their 400-flight hour maintenance routine. A-10 maintainers at Bagram Air Base work 24/7 on two Warthogs at once to maintain the increased operational pace. They are performing more maintenance because of the higher flying hours and loading more weapons. Weapons loaders claim it’s a rare day when a Warthog doesn’t return empty. (Read more here.)
The Space Force is preparing for significant growth to its procurement budget in fiscal 2027, and the head of the service’s largest acquisition organization said April 14 he is asking companies to invest now in facilities and production capacity so they’re ready to execute when called upon.