General Atomics said ground testing of its YFQ-42A began on May 7. The collaborative combat aircraft will fly alongside aircraft like F-35s and F-47s. “President Trump appears to have been speculating out loud about future airplanes that, as far as I know, don’t exist," said former SECAF Frank Kendall. The Qatari gift amounts to a flying palace rather than a flying White House meant for vital work, argues former Air Force Secretary Frank Kendall. By Frank Kendall
11 months ago High retention rates and reenlistments have caused the Air Force to burn through its retention bonus budget earlier than expected. The White House spending plans call for a 3.8% pay boost next year, a smaller raise than troops saw in January. Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 211, based in Yuma, Arizona, recently deployed to Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan. Like Saudi Arabia did a day earlier, Qatar gave Trump's Air Force One a ceremonial escort from its F-15 fighter jets — an exceptionally rare sight. A greater fighter range would help the Air Force reach targets in contested airspace in the Pacific, where refueling tankers may not be an option. Lawmakers worry the expensive gift could create financial and legal issues for the Defense Department. Former NRO deputy director Troy Meink will now run the Air and Space Forces as space becomes increasingly important to future wars. Load More