In testifying before Congress, Marine Corps Gen. James L. Jones, Supreme Allied Command Europe and head of US European Command, complained that fixing the lack of strategic airlift capability within NATO is “a 10- to 12-year project.” Jones said that nations made commitments about three years ago, but that “economic modalities” were tying up current discussions on acquisition of as many as five strategic airlifters. Jones told reporters at the Pentagon last week that he would recommend the C-17 airlifter for NATO, rather than going with their current choice the A-400.
As Air Force leaders consider concepts of operations for Collaborative Combat Aircraft, sustainment in the field—and easing that support by using standard parts and limiting variants—should be a key consideration, according to a new study from AFA's Mitchell Institute of Aerospace Studies.