The Air Force has sent numerous satellite communications systems, known as the very small aperture terminal, to Southwest Asia for use by explosive ordnance disposal technicians. The portable VSAT enables the EOD airmen to make calls and send and receive information even in austere conditions, reports SrA. Clark Staehle. It can be set up in about 15 minutes, providing the EOD techs the ability to quickly relay information about the most recent threats they have encountered.
The rate of building B-21 bombers would speed up if the fiscal 2026 defense budget passes. But it remains unclear how much capacity would be added, and whether the Air Force would simply build the bombers faster, or buy more.