If the House Armed Services Committee has its way, the Transformational Communications Satellite program will continue, with no cut in 2008 funding—depending on which page of the committee’s summary you read. In its summary text the committee cites its strong support for TSAT and commends the Air Force’s initiatives to reduce program risk, saying it recommends $863.6 million for the program. The Air Force table at the back of the summary shows a recommendation of $936.6 million, the same as the President’s budget request. Some lawmakers may get it after all.
The Air Force wants more companies able to produce its new, multi-use, anti-radar missile that one expert says will prove vital in any future peer conflict and would be in high demand for the war in Iran if stocks were available now.