The C-5M program is “doing pretty well” and “succeeding,” Air Force Secretary Michael Donley told reporters Monday, and he expects that the Reliability and Re-engining Program will go forward. Noting that Congress has voted to add more C-17s to the strategic airlift fleet, he asked that Capitol Hill “not block us from retiring C-5As,” which are not getting the structural and engine upgrade, so that the strategic airlift fleet can be maintained at about 300 tails. (Also see Super Galaxy Sets Records)
The Air Force is requesting about $141 million for initial enlistment bonuses in its fiscal 2026 budget, while Space Force wants $13 million.
