Boeing officials said last week that the Air Force told the company to expect the draft request for proposals on the tanker replacement program later this month, followed by a final version in January 2007. USAF should name a winner in September 2007. Word is that the Air Force still is wrestling with whether it wants all one type of aircraft, or a mix of medium and large tankers, since the aircraft will perform the swing role of cargo aircraft.
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.