The recent decision to move the in-service date for a next-generation bomber to 2018, announced in the QDR, is a good thing, Blechman added. The change creates motivation simply did not exist when the target date for a new system was the seemingly arbitrary 2038. The drawback of acceleration, he noted, is that advanced capabilities such as hypersonics will probably not be realistic options for this next-generation bomber.
Air Force Gen. Alexus G. Grynkewich assumed command of U.S. European Command on July 1, taking over the key assignment as the U.S. and its allies contend with a resurgent Russia and a grinding war in Ukraine.
