Boeing will end production of the C-17 Globemaster III and close its Long Beach, Calif., final assembly facility in September 2015, three months earlier than originally expected. The schedule was adjusted based on “current market trends and the timing of expected orders,” states the release. Boeing delivered the US Air Force’s last new C-17 in September 2013. The aircraft, P-223, is the 223rd USAF Globemaster III and is assigned to JB Charleston, S.C. (See also Global Workhorse.)
Amid NATO’s continued push to ramp up air defenses in Eastern Europe, Secretary of the Air Force Frank Kendall swung by seven allied countries to boost relations last week, including those on Russia’s and Ukraine’s doorstep.