The Air Force has revised its guidelines to contractors vying for the new combat search and rescue aircraft, asking them to plan to introduce more capability sooner. According to Reuters news service, over the next five years, USAF plans to add $849 million to the effort to replace its HH-60 CSAR helicopters. With the additional funds, Air Force Special Operations Command can advance delivery of aircraft with a full complement of equipment. The change probably will delay contract award from spring to late summer.
In the wake of a major Chinese military shakeup, the head of U.S. Space Command warned of China’s “breathtakingly fast” advances in space during visits to Japan and South Korea. Gen. Stephen N. Whiting’s trip to the Indo-Pacific is his first overseas visit since taking command of SPACECOM in January.