The Air Force has struck out for the second time in its quest to become executive agent for higher flying unmanned aerial vehicles. Megan Scully of CongressDaily reports that Defense Undersecretary Gordon England decided against USAF’s proposal. His decision seemingly overrules the Joint Requirements Oversight Council, which was inclined—this time—to support the Air Force position. England has ordered formation of a joint task force on UAV issues. As expected, there was jubilation among some lawmakers, who sided with the Army in its criticism of the USAF plan.
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.
