Farnborough, UK Boeing officials said they are talking with European partners about a group-bought/group-shared fleet of V-22 tiltrotors. The idea would follow the lines of the C-17 Heavy Airlift Wing, based at Papa AB, Hungary, where 12 nations share three C-17 transports proportionately to their financial contribution to purchase and maintenance of the aircraft. Boeing officials said Germany might be the “anchor” purchaser, now looking at several heavy-lift helo options, including the CH-53K, but countries with less cash might throw in with Germany to have access to the aircraft.
China thinks it will be able to invade Taiwan by 2027 and has developed a technology edge in many key areas—but it is artificial intelligence that may be the decisive factor should conflict erupt, Air Force Secretary Frank Kendall said.