The Space Based Infrared System satellite program survived—barely—its latest cost overrun last year, but it was reduced by two satellites and the Pentagon is seeking a competitor. For 2007, USAF is requesting $673 million to fund development and integration efforts for GEO 1 and 2 satellites and the increment 2 ground system and testing for GEO 1, which USAF expects to launch in Fiscal 2009.
An important U.S. Air Force E-3 Sentry AWACS command and control plane was among the aircraft damaged in a March 27 Iranian missile and drone attack on Prince Sultan Air Base, Saudi Arabia, people familiar with the matter told Air & Space Forces Magazine.