An MQ-1 Predator unmanned aerial vehicle sustained damage at 10:15 a.m. on Nov. 20 in southern Afghanistan, according to an Air Force release that day that offered no further specifics. And, on Nov. 21, another release stated that the landing gear of an MQ-1 collapsed around 6:45 a.m. on Nov. 21 in Iraq. The Air Force plans to investigate each incident further.
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…