Air Force Secretary Michael Wynne says that the lawmakers who received briefings on the tanker analysis of alternatives last week are pleased that the program is shaping up and “coming to a conclusion.” He predicts the long-awaited document will be released publicly in mid-March. He also thinks the Air Force finally will be able to release a request for information to industry shortly thereafter. If all goes as planned, a request for formal proposals would go out this fall. The competition will be “open to domestic and international” suppliers—read Boeing and Airbus—and he thinks there is “adequate” money in the future years defense program to get the program up to steam.
KC-46’s Refueling Boom Damaged While Refueling F-22s
July 8, 2025
A U.S. Air Force KC-46 tanker suffered damage to its boom while refueling F-22 Raptors off the coast of Virginia on July 8, Air & Space Forces Magazine has confirmed, with reported radio communication from the crew indicating the boom “detached.”