The Air Force is seeking $216 million as part of the Administration’s $70 billion defense supplemental request. The service wants to replace three MC-130H Combat Talons that have been “lost during contingencies.” USAF plans to convert three existing C-130Hs into Talon special operations configuration and replace the standard cargo aircraft with three new C-130Js to maintain the current size of the tactical airlift fleet.
Amid NATO’s continued push to ramp up air defenses in Eastern Europe, Secretary of the Air Force Frank Kendall swung by seven allied countries to boost relations last week, including those on Russia’s and Ukraine’s doorstep.