The light attack armed reconnaissance program may also fall under the budget axe, senior Air Force officials told members of the House Armed Services tactical air and land forces panel Wednesday. The LAAR acquisition strategy, which has not yet been fully approved, is now on hold, said Maj. Gen. Jay Lindell, director of Global Power Programs in the Office of the Assistant Secretary (Acquisitions). “As our topline goes down, we are looking at all [programs],” said Lt. Gen. Herbert Carlisle, deputy chief of staff for operations, plans, and requirements, during the same panel hearing. “LAAR is no exception.”
The U.S. military is maintaining a beefed-up presence in the Middle East, including fighters and air defense assets, following the U.S. strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities June 22 and subsequent retaliation by the Iranians against Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar.
