London Press Can’t Save Alternate JSF Engine: British Prime Minister Tony Blair’s volley to save the Joint Strike Fighter alternate engine contract for the GE-Rolls Royce team was returned with no joy by President Bush. According to Reuters news service, Blair broached the subject during two videoconferences with the President and in a letter—all to no avail as the Administration attempts to cut the Pentagon budget.
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.