Canada has reached an agreement with the US and Germany that will let it use Spangdahlem AB, Germany, served as a transit and marshalling center for Canadian Forces commitments, such as reaching Afghanistan. Canadian Forces Maj. Gen. Daniel Benjamin, said his country plans eventually to develop a “network of hubs worldwide to meet any contingency that causes our government to deploy troops for military or humanitarian purposes.” He added, “Spangdahlem was in the top ranks on a short list for the first hub, and we are grateful for the enthusiastic response that expedited the final choice.” Canadian Forces have used Spang since mid-2007 for occasional refueling stops. Now, a CF team will work with US airmen on a regular weekly rotation of three to five operational support flights at Spangdahlem, which Canadians already are terming the “Euro-Hub.” Canada wants Spang to be the first of seven locations around the world. (Canadian Operational Support Command report by Gord Lovelace)
The Air Force on March 12 awarded contract modifications worth a combined $2.4 billion to Boeing to procure an undisclosed number of E-7 Wedgetail as part of the program's engineering and manufacturing development phase and continue work on the airborne battle management aircraft’s radar.