The Boeing KC-X Finishing Center will be located in Wichita if the company wins the tanker replacement program competition, according to Republicans Rep. Todd Tiahrt and Sen. Pat Roberts. In a joint statement, the two Kansas lawmakers noted that the finishing center would employ approximately 300 to 500 people, adding to a total of around 1,000 direct Boeing and supplier jobs in Kansas that would work on the new tanker.
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.