Lawmakers heard again the aerial refueler “dilemma” facing the Pentagon, this time from Deputy Defense Secretary Gordon England. It’s a case of buying the current KC-135 tankers in high numbers and being forced—by “affordability issues”—to replace them at a low rate, England told Senators Wednesday. The one still flying toward the end will “be a very old airplane,” he said. England also supports the predilection toward making the new tanker a hybrid for hauling and refueling. He asserted, “It’s vitally important that we start the tanker replacement program as soon as possible.” (Read more about the tanker issue here.)
The U.S. conducted a series of airstrikes against Islamic State camps in Syria on Oct. 28, as the Pentagon continues its efforts to thwart the militant group from making a comeback.