Croatia is reportedly in talks to join the multinational Strategic Airlift Capability consortium that operates three C-17 transports out of Papa AB, Hungary. The 12-nation partnership, including the United States, NATO members, and friends, stood up in July 2009. The nations share in the costs of operating the three C-17s, with each nation purchasing a minimum number of flight hours. SAC C-17s have already been used extensively, including supporting NATO operations in Afghanistan. Croatia’s inclusion as a junior member might help alleviate some of the financial pressure on the fleet caused by Italy’s withdrawal from the partnership shortly before SAC’s heavy airlift wing began operations at Papa, reported FlightGlobal. (See also Monday’s Croatian Times report.)
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.
