Air Force officials may present an alternate strategy to the defense acquisition board by September for acquiring next-generation communications terminals for the nuclear deterrence mission. Global Security Newswire reports that USAF is preparing the alternative plan as a hedge since the current contractor has been delayed in delivering these Family of Advanced Beyond-Line-of-Sight Terminals. They are being built to reside in B-2 and B-52 bombers and air and ground command posts, allowing them to send and receive jam-proof information through Advanced Extremely High Frequency communications satellites. During an industry day in July, Air Force officials expressed the desire to install the terminals in mid-decade, earlier than what may be possible under the current acquisition program, according to GSN. The Air Force placed the first AEHF satellite in space on Aug. 14.
The Air Force displayed all the firepower it has amassed on Okinawa in an unusually diverse show of force this week. IIn a May 6 “Elephant Walk,” Kadena Air Base showcased 24 F-35A Lightning II stealth fighters, eight F-15E Strike Eagles; two U.S. Army Patriot anti-missile batteries near the runway; and…