The US military still faces a looming capability gap in moving Army medium-weight weapon systems by air within a combat theater, the Government Accountability Office warned in a report Thursday. GAO said “only” the C-17 is currently capable of transporting heavier equipment, such as armored Strykers and MRAPs, within theater, as these are “too large and bulky” for C-130s. Yet, C-17s cannot transport these vehicles “into austere, short, or unimproved landing areas,” according to GAO. While the Air Force-Army joint future theater lift concept to replace older C-130s will address this shortfall, JFTL fielding is not expected until 2024, based on current planning, said GAO. This means that C-17s may have to be used more in tactical heavy lift roles to mitigate—but not fill—this gap between 2016 and when JFTL is available, potentially impacting the C-17’s “primary role as a strategic airlifter,” said GAO.
Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth visited the site of U.S. Space Command’s future home Dec. 12 and endorsed the move to establish the headquarters in Alabama after years of political back and forth.
