All commanders want more capability than they they’ll need, Schwartz said, and “in a perfect world,” he’d buy both more C-17s and a new aerial tanker, one that can double as a freighter, like the KC-10. However, if he is forced to choose between them, his choice would be the tanker/cargo combo. He waved off characterizing what the airplane should be but said he’s convinced there’s no “economic business case to fix the KC-135E” with any kind of an upgrade. A new aircraft is needed, and the program should get going “Without delay. Right now. Get on with it.”
Newly elected Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has indicated he desires warmer relations with Beijing, saying he is even open to military ties with China, a move that would complicate Pacific Air Forces efforts to protect U.S. interests in the first and second island chains. “We have our relationship not…