The United Arab Emirates has let contracts to Boeing and Lockheed Martin for the purchase of four C-17s and 12 C-130Js, respectively, according to press reports emanating from this week’s IDEX defense exhibition in Abu Dhabi. Reuters news wire service reported that the C-17 deal is worth about $1.2 billion and the C-130J contract around $1.6 billion, citing a UAE defense official. Boeing announced yesterday that the UAE intends to acquire the C-17, but offered no specifics as to numbers and notional delivery dates. Instead, it said only, “We look forward to partnering with the UAE as it strengthens its airlift capabilities with the C-17.” Earlier this month, Boeing mentioned the UAE as one of several Middle East nations interested in the C-17. (For more, read yesterday’s Associated Press report).
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…