Air Force Chief of Staff nominee Gen. Mark Welsh told members of the Senate Armed Services Committee Thursday that the Air Force needs to do a better job of connecting with Congress. “I think there is a trust problem the Air Force must address,” said Welsh, current US Air Forces in Europe commander, during his nomination hearing. “I think that intel is good,” said Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.) in response. (Welsh’s responses to advance questions)
A combined Navy and Air Force program is seeking to build a smaller version of a ubiquitous air-to-air missile that could give advanced aircraft, such as the Collaborative Combat Aircraft, greater magazine depth in a high-end fight.