Recent official discussions about transferring command of forces in South Korea to Seoul have focused exclusively on ground forces, according to Gen. Paul Hester, commander of Pacific Air Forces. Defense officials from both sides have denied reports that the discussions do not include air assets. However, Hester told Air Force Magazine in an interview Tuesday that operational command of USAF assets in Korea will remain with 7th Air Force.
A combined Navy and Air Force program is seeking to build a smaller version of a ubiquitous air-to-air missile that could give advanced aircraft, such as the Collaborative Combat Aircraft, greater magazine depth in a high-end fight.