Potentially the replacement combat search and rescue aircraft program, if it runs through the full 141 aircraft buy, is valued at up to $15 billion. First, though, CSAR-X competition winner Boeing must work through Block 0—system development and demonstration—and delivery of 10 production aircraft to meet the Air Force’s 2012 timetable for initial operational capability. If the Air Force pursues the full procurement, production likely would extend to 2019.
The U.S. military is maintaining a beefed-up presence in the Middle East, including fighters and air defense assets, following the U.S. strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities June 22 and subsequent retaliation by the Iranians against Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar.
