The US State Department has approved a sale of four KC-46As to Japan, the Defense Security Cooperation Agency announced Wednesday. The estimated $1.9 billion deal would include a spare Pratt & Whitney PW4062 engine, according to a news release. Each aircraft would include the GPS and defensive systems. The release notes the aircraft would allow the Pacific nation to participate in regional security operations, but not affect the basic military balance in the region. Japan is also buying the F-35A, and the first Japanese jet, called the AX-1, took its maiden flight Aug. 24. (See also: It’s Not a Sanctuary Anymore.)
Now Enlisted Airmen Can Stay in Uniform Longer
Dec. 8, 2023
The Air Force is extending the amount of time Airmen can spend at most enlisted ranks by two years, as the service looks to combat sluggish recruiting and balance its force structure. The High Year of Tenure (HYT) program sets limits on how long service members can spend in each grade…