The Air Force recently exercised a $296 million contract option with Boeing for production of WGS-8, the eighth Wideband Global Satellite Communications spacecraft, announced service space officials Wednesday. This option builds upon the $58 million that Boeing received in August for the long-lead-time parts and activities associated with fabrication of WGS-8, bringing the cost of this satellite to $354 million, they said. WGS-8 acquisition is part of the WGS Block II follow-on contract that encompasses WGS-7, -8, and -9. Already the Air Force operates three WGS Block 1 satellites in geosynchronous orbits. They support simultaneous X-band and Ka-band communications for US military personnel across the globe. WGS-4, the first, more capable Block II spacecraft, is scheduled for launch into space next month from Cape Canaveral AFS, Fla. WGS-5, -6, and -7 are currently in various stages of production.
Pentagon Releases Cost of Living, BAH Rates for 2026
Dec. 30, 2025
The Pentagon will pay cost of living allowances to 127,000 service members in the continental U.S. in 2026, an increase of 66,000 members in 2025. Airmen and Guardians across the U.S. will also receive an average increase of 4.2 percent for their Basic Housing Allowance, compared to the 5.4 percent…
