Top defense leaders unveiled their new tanker acquisition strategy Thursday, telling reporters at the Pentagon they believe the requirements are more concise, far less subjective and without ambiguity. “This is a ‘best value’” competition, Deputy Defense Secretary Bill Lynn said. Although price will be a big factor—and some of the competition will demand a fixed price offer from contractors—it’s “not a price shootout,” Lynn asserted. Other factors will include efficiency, lifecycle costs, and military construction costs, as well as simulated performance in Pentagon war plans. When a winner is chosen—probably not sooner than next June—it should be “crystal clear to everyone” why that contractor prevailed, Pentagon acquisition chief Ashton Carter said. The list of requirements has been whittled down from 808 to 373, mostly by using clearer language and eliminating duplication, Lynn reported. Continue
Work Has Begun to Adapt Qatari 747 to Fly as Air Force One
Sept. 15, 2025
The Air Force has started modifying a Boeing 747 donated by Qatar for "executive airlift," a spokesperson said Sept. 15. President Donald Trump has said he wants to fly the jet as “Air Force One” since new presidential transports, held up by delays, won't be ready until after his term…
