Boeing and Lockheed Martin are expected today to announce a teaming arrangement in the forthcoming competition to build the Air Force’s next-generation bomber. A press advisory issued late yesterday said the two aerospace giants have agreed to “perform studies and system development efforts” for the anticipated Air Force program. USAF wants to field the new bomber in 2018. It is envisioned as a highly survivable, penetrating subsonic manned platform. The Air Force’s newly issued weapons roadmap lists Barksdale AFB, La.; Dyess, AFB, Tex.; Ellsworth AFB, S.D.; and Minot AFB, N.D., as potential beddown sites.
Lt. Gen. Dan Caine, nominee to be chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, told the Senate Armed Services Committee that the Defense Department needs to upgrade its electronic warfare capability and its EW training ranges; just as his predecessor said at his own confirmation hearing.