The Pentagon Tuesday issued a two-page fact sheet on the nuclear posture review that is underway with the intent of establishing US nuclear deterrence policy, strategy, and force posture for the next five to 10 years. It will also provide a basis for negotiations with Russia on additional nuclear force reductions. An unclassified report with the findings of the review will be submitted to Congress in December, along with the quadrennial defense review, which commenced in April. Primary Defense Department responsibility for conducting the NPR resides with the under secretary of defense for policy and the vice chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. There are four working groups for the review: policy and strategy; capabilities, force structure and programs; nuclear weapon stockpile and infrastructure; and international dimensions. The Pentagon says it is in direct consultation with the Secretary of Energy and Secretary of State during the review.
The Air Force and Boeing agreed to a nearly $2.4 billion contract for a new lot of KC-46 aerial tankers on Nov. 21. The deal, announced by the Pentagon, is for 15 new aircraft in Lot 11 at a cost of $2.389 billion—some $159 million per tail.