Sen. Tom Carper (D-Del.) and Rep. Mike Castle (R-Del.) say the just-signed 2008 defense spending bill includes money to bolster the state’s Air National Guard. Specifically, it will provide about $3 million to replace outdated radars on the eight C-130s of the 166th Airlift Wing, which the lawmakers note in a statement, is the “last unit to receive funding for this equipment.” They said the current radar is deteriorating and is not certified for all-weather, precision airdrop, creating “a critical shortfall.” Another $800,000 in the bill will go toward creation of the 166th Network Warfare Squadron, which will provide electronic “follow the money” capabilities for national intelligence agencies.
The Space Force is planning improvements at its launch ranges to better accommodate the logistics and infrastructure demands that come with the launch industry’s shift toward reusable rockets, according to the commanders of the service’s two launch deltas.
