The other top items on the Air Force’s list of 20 priorities not funded in its 2010 budget request (see item above) are modifications to EC-130H Compass Call aircraft, funding of Operationally Responsive Space satellites, spares and support gear for the first 10 F-35 fighters, and a forward-looking infrared system for the HH-60G Pave Hawk rescue helicopter. Also on the list: countermeasures for the A-10 attack aircraft, five more active electronically-scanned array radars for F-15C fighters, $331.1 million for two classified programs, 50 more air-to-air missiles, attrition replacements for three Pave Hawks, 11 military construction projects, two additional HC-130J refueling aircraft, modifications to the B-52 bomber, and gear to detect nuclear weapons detonations high in the atmosphere. (Air Force 2010 UPL)
The Air Force could conduct an operation like Israel's successful air campaign against Iran's nuclear sites, military leadership and air defenses, but readiness issues would make it risky, airpower experts said. Limited spare parts and training, low mission capable rates and few flying hours would put a drag on USAF's…