Air Force Secretary Michael Donley outlined the boundaries of what capabilities and programs are off limits to wholesale budget cuts in his keynote address Monday. Those that USAF will “safeguard” include the F-35, the KC-46 tanker, the nuclear TRIAD, the new bomber , intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance, the existing fleet of remotely piloted aircraft, USAF’s constellation of satellites—including ISR as well as timing and navigation—and USAF’s contribution to special operations forces. Donley pitched for protection of “forward presence” as a key element in guaranteeing regional stability and pledged to maintain readiness proportionate to the size of the force. Donley didn’t mention the new T-X trainer or the new common vertical support lift program helicopter as protected programs, however. These, as well as “Presidential support” aircraft, though “essential to core USAF capabilities” he placed in a category of modernization “challenges.”
Air Force Changes Rules for Pregnant Aircrew—Again
April 3, 2025
The Air Force is changing its policy for pregnant aircrew, generally reverting to rules set in 2019 that barred female aviators from flying during the first trimester—or from flying in aircraft with ejection seats at all—due to potential risks to the pilot and her unborn fetus.