The Department of Defense and Intelligence Community are preparing to submit to Congress a revised acquisition strategy for the Space Radar program, Scott Large, director of the National Reconnaissance Office, said March 5. “We believe we have a solution set,” Large told the House Armed Services strategic forces subcommittee. “I’m hoping that within 45 days we’ll be able to come back to the committee with more details of what the plan is.” Congress has remained critical of previous strategies put forth for the ambitious orbital radar system and has cut back on activities, demanding a more realistic approach. Developmental activities have been occurring under classified IC budgets of late. “Between both the Department of Defense and the Intelligence Community, the DNI, I believe we have mapped out what we believe is an alternative approach that addresses, first of all, the Congress’s concerns about affordability, scope, timelines, and so on.,” Large said. DOD and the IC are now “in the process of socializing” the new plan through both communities to ensure that everyone’s needs are met and concerns are addressed, he said.
The Air Force has finished modifying and testing the new VC-25B Bridge aircraft that will serve as a temporary Air Force One, the service announced May 1. All that’s left now is to finish painting the jet before it starts flying this summer.