In January, a C-5M transport aircraft flew to Iraq, a historic first for the new version of the massive cargo hauler. The aircraft not only delivered more than 85,000 pounds of equipment on short notice, but also arrived back at Dover AFB, Del., well ahead of schedule. “It’s satisfying to get the aircraft into the fight,” said Lt. Col. Mike Semo, C-5M program office chief and pilot with Air Force Reserve Command’s 709th Airlift Squadron at Dover. The Air Force has finished C-5M operational test and evaluation (See C-5M Operational Testing Concludes). It is transitioning the first of its 52 planned C-5Ms into normal operations. Once C-5M aircraft are cleared for direct delivery, they will be able to fly straight from Dover to Iraq without stopping en route to refuel. Still to come: the first C-5M mission to Afghanistan. (Dover report by SSgt. Chad Padgett)
The rate of building B-21 bombers would speed up if the fiscal 2026 defense budget passes. But it remains unclear how much capacity would be added, and whether the Air Force would simply build the bombers faster, or buy more.