The Fate of Old Fighters: The Defense Science Board says it is time to replenish the military’s target drone fleet. In a newly released report, DSB recommends replacing the current drones—modified F-4 Phantoms—with an F-16 drone. The panel projects the dwindling supply of pilot-less Phantoms will run out by 2011. Since there are plenty of F-16s available, DSB considers it a likely candidate. However, the panel cautions that it may not meet the testing requirements that will be needed for the new 5th generation aircraft.
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.