The Air Force has confirmed that Air Force Secretary Michael Wynne has asked for the Pentagon Inspector General to investigate the circumstances surrounding award of a contract canceled earlier this year because of protests filed over the award—nearly $50 million for a Thunderbird promotional video. ABC News reported late last week that the IG had enlisted the help of the FBI. According to news reports, the investigation will review actions of current and former top uniformed officials.
The Pentagon is requesting funds to buy 85 F-35s in its 2027 budget, 38 of them for the Air Force, a number that analysts say is not enough to reverse service’s fighter shortfall.