The New Mexico Air National Guard’s 150th Fighter Wing briefed local lawmakers last week, according to an Eyewitness News 4 report, on its situation and pursuit of a new mission since the unit must give up its F-16s under USAF’s plan to shed some 250 legacy fighters next year. The Air Force plan, announced in the spring, caught New Mexico lawmakers by surprise, particularly since the service offered no mission replacement plan for the unit.
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…