Sen. Tom Carper (D-Del.) and Rep. Mike Castle (R-Del.) say the just-signed 2008 defense spending bill includes money to bolster the state’s Air National Guard. Specifically, it will provide about $3 million to replace outdated radars on the eight C-130s of the 166th Airlift Wing, which the lawmakers note in a statement, is the “last unit to receive funding for this equipment.” They said the current radar is deteriorating and is not certified for all-weather, precision airdrop, creating “a critical shortfall.” Another $800,000 in the bill will go toward creation of the 166th Network Warfare Squadron, which will provide electronic “follow the money” capabilities for national intelligence agencies.
A record investment in research and development by the Department of the Air Force will help the United States win the long-term technology race with China, even while shrinking the fleet size before a possible mid-decade Taiwan contingency, Air Force Secretary Frank Kendall said May 17. “With the Air Force,…