The Weekly Debrief: Private Boom Refueling Market Opens, But Will U.S. Air Force Buy?

By Steve Trimble May 01, 2023
Metrea’s business case rests on the uncomfortable fact that hundreds of Air Force-owned air refueling aircraft cover only a fraction of the potential demand.
Budget, Policy & Operations

Metrea Marks First Commercial Boom Refueling Event

By Steve Trimble Apr 25, 2023
The ex-Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF) KC-135R topped-off two U.S. Navy Boeing P-8A patrol aircraft.
Multi-Mission Aircraft

Huge German-U.S. Exercise To Give Luftwaffe Up-Close View Of F-35

By Brian Everstine Apr 06, 2023
The U.S. Air Force is planning the largest transatlantic crossing of combat aircraft since the lead-up to the 1990-1991 Gulf War this summer.
Budget, Policy & Operations

Pentagon Works To Strengthen Supply Chain Integrity

By Brian Everstine Apr 05, 2023
Faulty parts installed during maintenance have grounded multiple military fleets, raising supply chain concerns.
Supply Chain

U.S. Air Force Accelerates Future Tanker Program And Cancels KC-Y

By Brian Everstine Mar 10, 2023
Officials call for clean-sheet designs, saying commercial-derivative refuelers are not survivable.
Budget, Policy & Operations

USAF Ending KC-Y Competition, Likely To Buy 75 More KC-46s

By Brian Everstine Mar 07, 2023
The U.S. Air Force wants to formally kill its KC-Y “Bridge Tanker” program as it accelerates its future Next Generation Air Refueling System.
Budget, Policy & Operations

USAF Mobility Aircraft Operating Without Most Markings, Tail Numbers

By Brian Everstine Feb 28, 2023
AMC recently directed a change to its fleet, removing the large “U.S. AIR FORCE,” unit markings, tail numbers and other identifying markings.
Budget, Policy & Operations

The Week In Defense, Feb. 17-23, 2023

By Jen DiMascio Feb 17, 2023
U.S. pushes for more Ukraine aid; U.S. tankers grounded; Polish MQ-9 flights to start; and replacing Russian platforms.
Aircraft & Propulsion

U.S. Air Force Grounds KC-135 To Inspect Faulty Tail Assembly Part

By Brian Everstine Feb 15, 2023
The U.S. Air Force is grounding its workhorse Boeing KC-135 Stratotanker fleet temporarily, along with reconnaissance variants.
Aircraft & Propulsion

USAF Data Shows Readiness Worsening For Key, Aging Fleets

By Brian Everstine Feb 10, 2023
Several key U.S. Air Force aircraft saw their mission-capable rates drop in fiscal 2022 compared to the prior year.
Aircraft & Propulsion