Gates’ Sweeping Airpower Cuts

Defense Secretary Robert Gates announces sweeping cuts to acquisition programs, including ending the buy of the Air Force’s new F-22 air superiority fighter at 187 aircraft and new C-17 airlifters at 205, postponement of the Next Generation Bomber, and termination of the Combat Search and Rescue helicopter replacement program, the Transformational Satellite, and the second Airborne Laser aircraft. The announcement also notes USAF’s plan to retire early some 250 legacy fighters. The day becomes known as “Black Monday.”