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 Specifically, it will provide about $3 million to replace outdated radars on the eight C-130s of the 166th Airlift Wing, which the lawmakers note in a statement, is the “last unit to receive funding for this equipment.”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 F-35 Joint Program Office has officially announced plans to issue multiple sole-source contracts to Pratt & Whitney to upgrade the fighter’s F135 engine—a widely expected move after Pentagon officials indicated they would do so earlier this year instead of developing an entirely new engine.