A USAF “pre-decisional” and undated information paper reveals that the Pentagon has directed the Army and Air Force to form a joint program office to merge efforts on the Future Cargo Aircraft and Light Cargo Aircraft programs. Was there ever a doubt? Gen. Michael Moseley, USAF Chief of Staff, said in December that the Air Force is “partnering with the Army” on this transport issue. The whole intratheather lift question is still up in the air. There is no word yet on the joint staff’s study or the one USAF asked Rand to conduct.
The rate of building B-21 bombers would speed up if the fiscal 2026 defense budget passes. But it remains unclear how much capacity would be added, and whether the Air Force would simply build the bombers faster, or buy more.