Boeing and Lockheed Martin are expected today to announce a teaming arrangement in the forthcoming competition to build the Air Force’s next-generation bomber. A press advisory issued late yesterday said the two aerospace giants have agreed to “perform studies and system development efforts” for the anticipated Air Force program. USAF wants to field the new bomber in 2018. It is envisioned as a highly survivable, penetrating subsonic manned platform. The Air Force’s newly issued weapons roadmap lists Barksdale AFB, La.; Dyess, AFB, Tex.; Ellsworth AFB, S.D.; and Minot AFB, N.D., as potential beddown sites.
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…