The “Scorpions” of the 603rd Air Control Squadron from Aviano AB, Italy, are coordinating air support for coalition forces on the ground in Afghanistan. Since deploying to Kandahar Air Base earlier in January, 86 members of the 603rd have been using radars to provide command and control of all aircraft flying over Afghanistan. Preparing for this deployment took eight months for the unit, which comprises career fields from radar controllers to civil engineers to vehicle maintenance and intelligence, and which is “always in the deployment bucket,” reports Air Force journalist SrA. Sarah Gregory.
Expanded production of the B-21 bomber can be accomplished at Northrop Grumman's existing Palmdale, Calif., facilities, the Air Force said. It also said test aircraft will be so simular to the production version that early examples could be used in combat if called for.