Three of the Air Force’s top eight investments in terms of pure dollars are space programs, according to Chief of Staff Gen. Norton Schwartz. They are the Space-Based Infrared System, Global Positioning System, and the Evolved Expendable Launch Vehicle, Schwartz said in his address at AFA’s Global Warfare Symposium in Los Angeles. They join the KC-X tanker, F-35 strike fighter, F-22, MQ-1 Predator, and MQ-9 Reaper as the service’s top acquisition priorities, he said. For the space community, it is therefore important to keep efficiencies in mind as the Air Force modernizes and recapitalizes its space systems, he said. “[Air Force] Secretary [Michael] Donley and I are counting on you in this room, and others like you, to help us adhere to development timelines, deliver to programmed expectations, and hold leaders accountable—military or civilian,” Schwartz told the symposium attendees Nov. 19.
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.