According to a May 6 report by Reuters news service, Boeing expects to win the combat search and rescue helicopter replacement program for the second time not only because it had the best proposal the first time around, but because it now has an even stronger one. A company executive told Reuters that Boeing had trimmed the price and the time it takes to reassemble its HH-47. All three competitors—Boeing, Lockheed Martin, and Sikorsky—submitted new proposals in January, but the Air Force just this monthissued Amendment 6 to the request for proposals, clarifying certain points, including new legislation about specialty metals. The program award now is delayed until fall. Rick Lemaster, Boeing HH-47 program manager, told Reuters that the new Boeing bid is “stronger.” Meanwhile, Lockheed and Sikorsky, no doubt, have spruced up their offerings, as well.
The Air Force Historical Foundation has recognized two Air Force B-2 Spirit bomber wings among the winners of its 2025-2026 prestigious annual awards, selecting both for their part in Operation Midnight Hammer, the daring raid on Iran’s fortified nuclear weapons sites.

