Orlando, February 18, 2010—Don’t look for the Air Force to launch any new major programs for the next few years, or perhaps longer, said Air Force Secretary Michael Donley. “For the immediate future, I think our major programs are set,” Donley told reporters at AFA’s Air Warfare Symposium and Technology Exposition. Asked if he’s worried the industrial base for critical technologies—like stealth, large military aircraft, fighters—will survive a decade-long new program drought, Donley said he believes work on the new Long Range Strike platform will address “industrial base engineering talent at the high end. But, he said, “We have some immediate challenges out in front of us in terms of solid rocket propulsion” and other industrial base suppliers that may have too little to do to stay in business. Continue
The Air Force could conduct an operation like Israel's successful air campaign against Iran's nuclear sites, military leadership and air defenses, but readiness issues would make it risky, airpower experts said. Limited spare parts and training, low mission capable rates and few flying hours would put a drag on USAF's…