The US Air Force and Royal Australian Air Force have signed an agreement to partner on the Wideband Global SATCOM system. SSgt. J.G. Buzanowski reports that the arrangement means USAF can expand the WGS constellation to six satellites, instead of the five that had been planned. Air Force Space Command launched the first WGS last month and expects to reach initial operational capability in January. Launch of a sixth satellite would come in 2013.
The new defense reconciliation bill includes $7.2 billion for Air Force and Navy aviation accounts, almost half of which will buy more F-15EXs. While electronic warfare, drones, connectivity and airlift all get attention, the F-35 was conspicuously absent from the package, with no explanation given.