Aerospace Group:

Air Force

Design And Production Challenges Loom For C-5M, C-17 Replacement

Frank Wolfe

Thursday, March 12th, 2026

SHARE:

Design And Production Challenges Loom For C-5M, C-17 Replacement

Pictured is a U.S. Air Force photo of C-17 aircraft with the 14th Airlift Squadron at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska on Jan. 25 during Exercise Palmetto Reach.

Design and production challenges for a new, potentially stealthy airlifter loom large for the U.S. Air Force, the head of U.S. Transportation Command said on Thursday. Asked by Senate Armed Services Committee ranking member Jack Reed (D-R.I.) whether a strategic airlift program to replace the C-5M and C-17 could begin this year as a result of the upcoming Air Force fiscal 2027 budget request, Air Force Gen. Randall Reed responded that, while "strategic airlift is one of the most critical…

Space

Upgrading Current GPS Ground System “Now a Viable Option,” As GPS OCX Problems Continue, Space Official Says

Upgrades to the GPS ground system–the Architecture Evolution Plan (AEP)–is an option under consideration by the Defense Department’s space acquisition chief, as problems continue in fielding the GPS Next Generation […]

Congress

Graham Says GOP To Move Ahead On Second Reconciliation Bill, With Defense Funds As Priority

Senate Budget Committee Chair Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.) said Wednesday, with the White House’s backing, his panel will move “expeditiously” on crafting a second reconciliation bill, citing priorities for defense and […]

Pentagon

Hegseth Acknowledges Potential $200 Billion Iran Supplemental Request, Final Figure ‘Could Move’

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth on Thursday acknowledged the Pentagon could potentially ask Congress for $200 billion in supplemental funding to support the ongoing operation against Iran and replenish munitions used […]

Congress

Counter-Drone Flyaway Kit Used In U.S. In Early Hours Of Iran Strikes, NORTHCOM Head Says

U.S. Northern Command (NORTHCOM) used a counter small unmanned aircraft system (sUAS) flyaway kit (FAK) in the early hours of the strikes against Iran on Feb. 28, according to Air […]