Wynne promised a “holistic evaluation” of the benefits of re-engining large chunks of the Air Force’s 707-derived fleet of aircraft. The E-3 AWACS and the E-8 Joint STARS, in particular, need new engines for performance and power generation. Wynne said the Air Force will examine the “fleet on fleet” implications of re-engining, such as whether it reduces the tanker requirements and reduces the need to acquire more aircraft.
The Chinese spy balloon may have popped, but funding to protect against similar threats is inflating, according to the Department of Defense. The high-attitude surveillance balloon that traversed the U.S. in late January and early February prompted last-minute additions to the Pentagon's budget of around $90 million for measures to…