Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich has jumped on the tanker bandwagon, saying—in a Boeing release—that St. Louis-based Boeing “is ready and able to deliver the US Air Force’s next-generation tanker.” Boeing reveals that the state of Illinois would see about $140 million a year in economic activity if Boeing wins the Air Force’s KC-X aerial refueling aircraft replacement program. Alabama elected officials have met with Air Force Secretary Michael Wynne to ensure fair consideration for the Northrop Grumman-EADS North America team, which plans to produce its KC-30 tanker in Alabama should it win the competition.
The Air Force Historical Foundation has recognized two Air Force B-2 Spirit bomber wings among the winners of its 2025-2026 prestigious annual awards, selecting both for their part in Operation Midnight Hammer, the daring raid on Iran’s fortified nuclear weapons sites.

