The Air Force, said Lt. Col. Tim Healy, air staff special aircraft requirements deputy division chief, is looking at options for a new light cargo-medium transport aircraft. He told reporters that USAF has completed an initial capabilities document that identifies a capability gap in the ability to do intra-theater airlift into “austere” locations. USAF has tagged RAND to conduct a capabilities-based assessment, said Healy. No timeline was given. Healy noted, though, “We want to do this smart and not waste money.”
The Space Force is playing a key role in planning for “Golden Dome,” President Donald Trump’s initiative for comprehensive air and missile defense of the homeland, leaders said this week. But actually building and fielding the ambitious idea will require a major concerted effort across the Pentagon and intelligence community.