WEBVTT 00:01.340 --> 00:03.507 Good afternoon . I'd like to thank the 00:03.507 --> 00:05.396 witnesses for being here today at 00:05.396 --> 00:07.618 today's hearing as we discussed the Air 00:07.618 --> 00:09.951 Force's fiscal year 2027 budget request . 00:10.329 --> 00:12.273 I look forward to hearing how this 00:12.273 --> 00:14.329 budget will get at the challenges of 00:14.329 --> 00:16.218 our increasingly complex security 00:16.218 --> 00:18.051 environment . I want to start by 00:18.051 --> 00:20.218 acknowledging the brave servicemen and 00:20.218 --> 00:22.162 women who are serving so honorably 00:22.162 --> 00:24.107 overseas to make the world a safer 00:24.107 --> 00:26.329 place for us all . I speak for everyone 00:26.329 --> 00:28.162 when I say that our thoughts and 00:28.162 --> 00:30.329 prayers are with them . One of my most 00:30.329 --> 00:32.496 important responsibilities as chairman 00:32.496 --> 00:32.419 of this subcommittee is ensuring that 00:32.419 --> 00:34.197 our airmen have the resources , 00:34.197 --> 00:36.110 training , and capabilities that 00:36.110 --> 00:38.110 maintain and grow our edge over our 00:38.110 --> 00:40.220 adversaries . Today's discussion of 00:40.220 --> 00:42.270 fleet modernization , strategic 00:42.270 --> 00:44.549 deterrence , and emerging technologies 00:44.549 --> 00:46.716 will inform our work towards that goal 00:46.716 --> 00:48.605 as we head into the heart of this 00:48.605 --> 00:50.590 year's NDAA cycle . I also want to 00:50.590 --> 00:52.646 thank President Trump for his year , 00:52.646 --> 00:54.757 this year's historic budget request , 00:54.757 --> 00:56.923 which will not only get our servicemen 00:56.923 --> 00:58.757 and women the tools they need to 00:58.757 --> 01:00.812 succeed , but also boost the ongoing 01:00.812 --> 01:02.479 revitalization of our defense 01:02.479 --> 01:05.110 industrial base . I want to focus , uh , 01:05.559 --> 01:07.503 today's hearing on the role of the 01:07.503 --> 01:09.726 bomber and mobility platforms that help 01:09.726 --> 01:11.948 us overcome the tyranny of distance and 01:11.948 --> 01:13.837 project American power across the 01:13.837 --> 01:15.837 furthest reaches of the globe . Our 01:15.837 --> 01:18.003 bomber fleet is the cornerstone of our 01:18.003 --> 01:20.170 strategic deterrent , and our mobility 01:20.170 --> 01:22.110 platforms are the backbone of our 01:22.110 --> 01:24.332 operational effectiveness , allowing us 01:24.332 --> 01:26.332 to move personnel , equipment , and 01:26.332 --> 01:28.054 supplies around the world with 01:28.054 --> 01:29.943 unmatched efficiency . In today's 01:29.943 --> 01:32.221 constantly evolving threat environment , 01:32.221 --> 01:34.332 our adversaries are investing heavily 01:34.332 --> 01:36.554 in advanced capabilities as they try to 01:36.554 --> 01:38.870 close in on our lead . It is critical 01:38.870 --> 01:41.069 that we ensure that never happens . I 01:41.069 --> 01:42.902 look forward to hearing from our 01:42.902 --> 01:45.013 distinguished witnesses as we work to 01:45.013 --> 01:47.125 find solutions to ensure that our Air 01:47.125 --> 01:49.236 Force remains the best in the world . 01:49.236 --> 01:51.291 Now , I'd like to turn it over to my 01:51.291 --> 01:50.470 good friend , Ranking Member Joe 01:50.470 --> 01:52.581 Courtney for any opening remarks that 01:52.581 --> 01:54.414 he may have . Thank you and Mr . 01:54.414 --> 01:56.526 Courtney . Thank you , uh , Mr . Mr . 01:56.526 --> 01:58.303 Chairman , and thank you to the 01:58.303 --> 02:00.414 witnesses for being here today . Um , 02:00.414 --> 02:02.470 again , I have written remarks . I'm 02:02.470 --> 02:04.414 gonna , um , just really summarize 02:04.414 --> 02:06.581 quick so because I know we want to get 02:06.581 --> 02:08.803 into the testimony and questions . Um , 02:08.803 --> 02:08.509 you know , sometimes people think that 02:08.509 --> 02:10.910 this subcommittee , uh , only does , um , 02:10.960 --> 02:13.720 ships and , and things that float , and , 02:13.729 --> 02:15.951 uh , uh , the fact is a big part of our 02:15.951 --> 02:19.929 portfolio is the airlift , um . work 02:19.929 --> 02:22.096 that we're going to be discussing here 02:22.096 --> 02:24.151 today and again there's just so many 02:24.151 --> 02:26.318 critical platforms , many of which are 02:26.318 --> 02:28.373 starting to get a little long in the 02:28.373 --> 02:30.318 tooth that , you know , I think is 02:30.318 --> 02:33.449 really Requires our urgent attention , 02:33.660 --> 02:35.938 uh , whether again it's , uh , I think , 02:35.938 --> 02:38.104 yeah , the average age of the fleet is 02:38.104 --> 02:40.160 about 64 years in terms of the air , 02:40.160 --> 02:42.104 you know , some of the , uh , uh , 02:42.104 --> 02:44.550 tanker fleet that's out there right now 02:44.550 --> 02:47.710 and , um , B-52s , you know , we've got 02:47.710 --> 02:50.360 obviously a B-21 program that's now , 02:50.470 --> 02:52.581 you know , gonna be recapitalizing uh 02:52.581 --> 02:54.637 the bombers which uh Trent mentioned 02:54.637 --> 02:56.830 and , and so that's obviously , um . 02:57.559 --> 02:59.615 Again , one of these , uh , programs 02:59.615 --> 03:01.670 that , you know , we have to just go 03:01.670 --> 03:03.948 bigger , faster , and , and , you know , 03:03.948 --> 03:06.115 make sure that we hit the requirements 03:06.115 --> 03:05.610 that are out there . I also want to 03:05.610 --> 03:07.639 talk about the VC ask , ask some 03:07.639 --> 03:09.869 questions about the VC 25B program 03:10.089 --> 03:12.311 which there is high public interest and 03:12.311 --> 03:14.367 we've had , this has been an ongoing 03:14.367 --> 03:16.533 topic , um , in the subcommittee , not 03:16.533 --> 03:18.478 just over the last two years , but 03:18.478 --> 03:21.320 frankly going back to 2017 . Um , so , 03:21.410 --> 03:23.690 uh , again , really appreciate , you 03:23.690 --> 03:25.857 know , the professional witnesses that 03:25.857 --> 03:28.079 we have here today . As I said , I'll , 03:28.079 --> 03:29.968 uh , ask my written remarks to be 03:29.968 --> 03:32.134 answered for the record and yield back 03:32.134 --> 03:34.079 without objection . And , and Mr . 03:34.079 --> 03:34.009 Courtney , I think I got some things 03:34.009 --> 03:36.065 out of order . The subcommittee will 03:36.065 --> 03:38.065 now come to order . I ask unanimous 03:38.065 --> 03:40.287 consent that the chair be authorized to 03:40.287 --> 03:42.342 declare a recess at any time without 03:42.342 --> 03:46.220 objection , so ordered . With us today , 03:46.279 --> 03:48.168 we have Mr . William Bailey , the 03:48.168 --> 03:50.223 Assistant secretary of the Air Force 03:50.223 --> 03:52.057 for acquisition , Technology and 03:52.057 --> 03:54.279 Logistics , and Lieutenant General Dave 03:54.279 --> 03:56.390 Tabor , the Deputy Chief of Staff for 03:56.390 --> 03:58.335 plans and programs . Mr . Bailey , 03:58.335 --> 04:00.501 since this is your first time in front 04:00.501 --> 04:02.612 of this committee , welcome . General 04:02.612 --> 04:04.723 Tabor , you are a frequent visit , so 04:04.723 --> 04:06.890 welcome back . I believe the witnesses 04:06.890 --> 04:09.057 have a joint statement prepared for us 04:09.057 --> 04:09.000 today , so you are recognized for 5 04:09.000 --> 04:11.056 minutes for any opening remarks that 04:11.056 --> 04:12.222 you'd like to make . 04:17.320 --> 04:19.098 Chairman Kelly , Ranking Member 04:19.098 --> 04:20.931 Courtney , and the distinguished 04:20.931 --> 04:23.153 members of the subcommittee . Thank you 04:23.153 --> 04:25.153 for having us here today to provide 04:25.153 --> 04:25.070 testimony on the Department of the Air 04:25.070 --> 04:27.309 Force's protection forces , aviation 04:27.309 --> 04:30.250 programs , and capabilities . The FY 27 04:30.250 --> 04:32.299 budget requested bolsters critical 04:32.299 --> 04:34.619 modernization efforts such as the 04:34.619 --> 04:36.786 development of the future bomber fleet 04:36.786 --> 04:38.779 in the B-21 , continuation of 04:38.779 --> 04:40.890 uninterrupted tanker recapitalization 04:40.890 --> 04:44.390 with the KC-46 program extension , and 04:44.390 --> 04:46.279 recapitalization of our strategic 04:46.279 --> 04:48.112 airlift capabilities through the 04:48.112 --> 04:50.429 next-gen airlift program . I want to 04:50.429 --> 04:52.596 highlight on the KC-46 program for the 04:52.596 --> 04:54.679 moment . From Operation Absolute 04:54.679 --> 04:57.040 Resolve to Operation Epic Fury , the 04:57.040 --> 04:59.119 KC-46 has been in the fight for over 04:59.119 --> 05:01.341 the last several months and it's proven 05:01.341 --> 05:03.452 to be a critical enabler to the joint 05:03.452 --> 05:05.508 operations they're in . Though it is 05:05.508 --> 05:07.675 performing admirably , the fleet still 05:07.675 --> 05:09.730 faces readiness challenges requiring 05:09.730 --> 05:11.730 daily heroics from the crews on the 05:11.730 --> 05:13.897 ground . To address those challenges , 05:13.897 --> 05:16.119 the Department of War and the Air Force 05:16.119 --> 05:18.341 have deliberately prioritized readiness 05:18.341 --> 05:19.952 initiatives within the FY-27 05:19.952 --> 05:21.897 president's budget . Those efforts 05:21.897 --> 05:23.897 initiate reliability improvements , 05:23.897 --> 05:25.619 additional sparing , and other 05:25.619 --> 05:27.841 supportability projects . In parallel , 05:27.910 --> 05:30.077 the Air Force and Boeing have embarked 05:30.077 --> 05:31.910 on a KC-46 readiness improvement 05:31.910 --> 05:34.410 initiative which repurposes five early 05:34.410 --> 05:36.577 build aircraft for near-term readiness 05:36.577 --> 05:38.466 improvements . It streamlines and 05:38.466 --> 05:40.410 accelerates retrofits for 2 of the 05:40.410 --> 05:43.160 remaining CA-1 deficiencies and puts 05:43.160 --> 05:45.382 focused effort into the fleet's primary 05:45.382 --> 05:47.549 readiness detractors . The combination 05:47.549 --> 05:49.771 of these two initiatives is expected to 05:49.771 --> 05:51.938 provide a near-term availability boost 05:51.938 --> 05:53.938 of approximately 6% . And provide a 05:53.938 --> 05:55.716 long-term aircraft availability 05:55.716 --> 05:58.480 increase of over 20% by 2030 . 06:00.260 --> 06:02.204 The Air Force is moving rapidly to 06:02.204 --> 06:04.038 implement the Secretary of War's 06:04.038 --> 06:06.316 acquisition transformation imperatives . 06:06.316 --> 06:08.482 We appreciate the authorities provided 06:08.482 --> 06:10.940 by Congress and the FY 26 NDAA and 06:10.940 --> 06:12.940 continued partnership as we work to 06:12.940 --> 06:14.829 transform acquisition into a true 06:14.829 --> 06:17.989 warfighting function . Our focus is on 06:17.989 --> 06:19.878 mission outcomes with the guiding 06:19.878 --> 06:22.230 principle of ensuring every portfolio 06:22.230 --> 06:25.829 acquisition executive or PAE has the 06:25.829 --> 06:27.940 three things they need to succeed the 06:27.940 --> 06:29.773 authority , the talent , and the 06:29.773 --> 06:31.885 resources . The Air Force is taking a 06:31.885 --> 06:33.718 phased approach on PAEs with the 06:33.718 --> 06:35.773 initial rollout of 5 portfolios that 06:35.773 --> 06:37.885 represent a cross section of our most 06:37.885 --> 06:39.996 critical mission areas to pioneer and 06:39.996 --> 06:42.119 mature this new framework , and we're 06:42.119 --> 06:45.570 already seeing successes . We examined 06:45.570 --> 06:47.570 over 200 contracting authorities to 06:47.570 --> 06:50.459 identify areas for delegation . As a 06:50.459 --> 06:52.820 result , 85% of unrestricted 06:52.820 --> 06:54.709 contracting authorities have been 06:54.709 --> 06:56.980 delegated to the PAE level , and 100% 06:56.980 --> 06:59.147 of the Business and Contract Clearance 06:59.147 --> 07:00.980 Authority now sit with the PAE . 07:01.630 --> 07:03.829 Translating to real , real world 07:03.829 --> 07:06.709 impacts , the PAE for Propulsion is 07:06.709 --> 07:08.829 currently developing a $16 billion 07:08.829 --> 07:11.670 multiple award IDIQ contract that 07:11.670 --> 07:13.726 engages over 50 companies across the 07:13.726 --> 07:16.149 industrial base to rapidly solve 07:16.149 --> 07:17.816 operational and technological 07:17.816 --> 07:19.982 challenges . Because of that increased 07:19.982 --> 07:22.038 delegated authority , empowering the 07:22.038 --> 07:24.205 PAE to execute a contract ceiling that 07:24.205 --> 07:26.470 far exceeds historical thresholds , the 07:26.470 --> 07:28.359 team has already reduced the time 07:28.359 --> 07:30.248 required to compete and award the 07:30.248 --> 07:33.260 contract by 40% . Now more than ever , 07:33.339 --> 07:35.450 the acquisition enterprise requires a 07:35.450 --> 07:37.728 highly specialized and agile workforce . 07:38.239 --> 07:40.350 We're working to ensure PAEs have the 07:40.350 --> 07:42.183 workforce they need to translate 07:42.183 --> 07:44.183 significant budget investments into 07:44.183 --> 07:46.989 capabilities . Due to recent DOW policy 07:46.989 --> 07:48.933 changes on manpower and the use of 07:48.933 --> 07:51.269 hiring authorities , PAE weapons was 07:51.269 --> 07:52.991 able to bypass traditional and 07:52.991 --> 07:55.070 protracted hiring constraints to 07:55.070 --> 07:56.950 successfully onboard 69 critical 07:56.950 --> 07:59.109 acquisition professionals just in the 07:59.109 --> 08:01.100 last month . Furthermore , these 08:01.100 --> 08:03.156 authorities have enabled our team to 08:03.156 --> 08:05.100 maintain a robust and agile talent 08:05.100 --> 08:07.350 pipeline . We are currently processing 08:07.350 --> 08:09.183 active personnel actions . We're 08:09.183 --> 08:11.294 executing rapid manpower realignments 08:11.294 --> 08:13.128 and utilizing targeted incentive 08:13.128 --> 08:15.239 packages at a speed not seen before . 08:16.049 --> 08:18.105 We're examining ways to empower PAEs 08:18.105 --> 08:19.882 with the ability to make active 08:19.882 --> 08:22.209 trade-offs between acquisition risk and 08:22.209 --> 08:24.130 operational risk . Reforms to the 08:24.130 --> 08:25.809 resourcing process include a 08:25.809 --> 08:28.290 realignment of and reduction in budget 08:28.290 --> 08:30.769 line items are critical to enable those 08:30.769 --> 08:32.880 trade-offs . We will continue to work 08:32.880 --> 08:34.825 with Congress to ensure resourcing 08:34.825 --> 08:36.769 flexibilities are aligned with the 08:36.769 --> 08:39.047 appropriate transparency and oversight . 08:39.409 --> 08:41.576 Thank you again for the opportunity to 08:41.576 --> 08:43.631 testify . We look forward to working 08:43.631 --> 08:45.798 with the Congress , industry , and the 08:45.798 --> 08:47.909 communities that support us to ensure 08:47.909 --> 08:49.853 we maintain the necessary military 08:49.853 --> 08:52.020 advantage to secure our vital national 08:52.020 --> 08:54.242 interests and to support our allies and 08:54.242 --> 08:56.465 partners . Thank you for your steadfast 08:56.465 --> 08:58.576 support and partnership as we deliver 08:58.576 --> 09:00.798 needed capabilities for the Air Force . 09:00.798 --> 09:03.679 Thank you . I now recognize myself 5 09:03.679 --> 09:06.200 minutes for questions . Uh , Mr . 09:06.210 --> 09:08.154 Bailey , I think your call sign is 09:08.154 --> 09:10.640 Elvis . So the first question is , do 09:10.640 --> 09:13.559 you know whose district Elvis was born 09:13.559 --> 09:17.559 in and what town ? I'd like 09:17.559 --> 09:19.781 to take that one for the record , sir . 09:19.781 --> 09:21.948 Well , I'll give you the answer . It's 09:21.948 --> 09:23.615 my district and it's Tupelo , 09:23.615 --> 09:26.090 Mississippi . So thank you . Uh , Mr . 09:26.169 --> 09:28.390 Bailey , the fiscal year 27 budget 09:28.390 --> 09:30.650 requests money for an advanced tanker 09:30.650 --> 09:32.872 systems program building on the work of 09:32.872 --> 09:34.761 the next generation air refueling 09:34.761 --> 09:37.479 system . Can you explore , uh , explain 09:37.479 --> 09:39.368 the differences between these two 09:39.368 --> 09:43.190 programs ? Yes , sir , uh , as we 09:43.190 --> 09:46.530 were , as we were looking at , um . The 09:46.530 --> 09:50.359 work done in studying on that next 09:50.359 --> 09:52.770 generation of advanced systems , we did 09:52.770 --> 09:54.937 come to the conclusion that there is a 09:54.937 --> 09:57.130 greater need for us to take a look at 09:57.130 --> 10:00.330 what are those no regret bets to place 10:00.330 --> 10:03.869 on aircraft survivability when it comes 10:03.869 --> 10:05.929 to large aircraft and large aircraft 10:05.929 --> 10:08.210 protection , because we will have , we 10:08.210 --> 10:10.321 will have tankers going forward , but 10:10.321 --> 10:12.432 we currently have hundreds of tankers 10:12.432 --> 10:14.654 we have . We have hundreds and hundreds 10:14.654 --> 10:16.877 of airlifters that also face those same 10:16.877 --> 10:19.043 style of threats . Uh , so what you're 10:19.043 --> 10:21.820 seeing in that ATS program , uh , is an 10:21.820 --> 10:23.739 aircraft agnostic approach to 10:23.739 --> 10:26.099 survivability . And , and as we take a 10:26.099 --> 10:28.266 look , as we take a look at what we're 10:28.266 --> 10:30.155 doing with the tanker fleet going 10:30.155 --> 10:32.266 forward , we didn't want to stop that 10:32.266 --> 10:34.210 work and you'll , so you'll see us 10:34.210 --> 10:35.988 continue again in that platform 10:35.988 --> 10:37.877 agnostic way in ways that we find 10:37.877 --> 10:39.877 things that we can extend to . Uh , 10:39.877 --> 10:42.400 C-17s and 135s as well as what we do 10:42.400 --> 10:46.179 with tankers . And General Taylor , 10:46.299 --> 10:49.380 the recent KC-135 crash is a stark 10:49.380 --> 10:51.640 reminder of the risk our airmen face 10:51.640 --> 10:54.500 daily . Could you please detail for us 10:54.500 --> 10:57.020 the current state of connectivity and 10:57.020 --> 10:59.131 situational awareness capabilities of 10:59.131 --> 11:00.239 the KC-135 fleet ? 11:03.260 --> 11:05.427 Yes , uh , thank you , Chairman . Um , 11:05.500 --> 11:07.770 so , uh , kind of dovetailing on what , 11:07.780 --> 11:10.058 uh , Mr . Bailey talked about . I mean , 11:10.058 --> 11:12.391 the ATS , we really are focused on , uh , 11:12.391 --> 11:14.558 connectivity across our entire fleet . 11:14.859 --> 11:17.820 Uh , right now we have about $105 11:17.820 --> 11:20.539 million programmed in 27 , about 11:20.539 --> 11:23.390 $1.1 billion across the FITA 11:24.330 --> 11:27.429 to , uh , field about 315 hybrid satcom 11:27.429 --> 11:30.809 terminals , an additional 240 or so KU . 11:31.429 --> 11:34.659 Uh , radar or KU uh array kits , uh , 11:34.750 --> 11:37.859 for the KC 135 fleet . Uh , there's 11:37.859 --> 11:39.989 also been , uh , similar capabilities 11:39.989 --> 11:42.045 being , uh , installed on the , uh , 11:42.045 --> 11:45.260 KC-46s , uh , specific to , uh , 11:45.270 --> 11:48.909 KC-135 . Uh , we have a vast majority 11:48.909 --> 11:51.242 of those , uh , connected now with , uh , 11:51.242 --> 11:53.299 Link 16 , as well as the , uh , 11:53.309 --> 11:56.190 tactical , uh , data relays , uh , 11:56.309 --> 11:58.799 through the Arctic program . Uh , we 11:58.799 --> 12:01.229 also have , uh , funding for , uh , 12:01.239 --> 12:04.349 StarShield and Adams . It's an airlift 12:04.349 --> 12:07.169 tanker open mission system , uh , that 12:07.169 --> 12:09.369 will be , uh , uh , added on here . It 12:09.369 --> 12:11.591 was in the process of being added on to 12:11.591 --> 12:14.150 the KC-135 fleet to be complete over 12:14.150 --> 12:16.559 the course of the next about 4 years . 12:17.190 --> 12:19.246 Uh , and then that , uh , the hybrid 12:19.246 --> 12:21.301 satcom will kind of , uh , lay in on 12:21.301 --> 12:23.412 top of that . Uh , so really over the 12:23.412 --> 12:25.412 course of about , uh , the next six 12:25.412 --> 12:27.468 years , you'll see the full fleet of 12:27.468 --> 12:29.880 KC-135s , uh , fully connected . 12:31.789 --> 12:34.309 I thank you and I now yield the balance 12:34.309 --> 12:36.087 of my time and I recognize Mr . 12:36.087 --> 12:38.080 Courtney . Thank you , uh , Mr . 12:38.090 --> 12:40.429 Chairman . Um , Mr . Bailey , as I 12:40.429 --> 12:42.429 indicated , um , you know , the Air 12:42.429 --> 12:44.710 Force One program is definitely , as I 12:44.710 --> 12:46.488 said , um , something that this 12:46.488 --> 12:49.250 subcommittee has , um , Been tracking 12:49.250 --> 12:51.417 and overseeing for a number of years , 12:51.417 --> 12:54.780 so um . Uh , a year ago , uh , Darlene 12:54.780 --> 12:57.099 Costello , your predecessor , testified 12:57.099 --> 12:59.266 before committee and kind of walked us 12:59.266 --> 13:02.500 through the delivery time for the , uh , 13:02.729 --> 13:06.099 new two Air Force One , cohort that 13:06.099 --> 13:08.266 again was purchased from Boeing , uh , 13:08.266 --> 13:10.432 back in , I , I believe it was 2017 it 13:10.432 --> 13:13.020 was or maybe 2018 . Again , her 13:13.020 --> 13:16.099 testimony was that 2028 was , uh , sort 13:16.099 --> 13:19.150 of the new kind of target for , uh , 13:19.159 --> 13:21.210 delivery of those . Um , and then 13:21.210 --> 13:23.789 obviously the , um , the new plane uh 13:23.789 --> 13:26.369 that was purchased from Qatar , um , is 13:26.369 --> 13:28.480 obviously was another topic that we , 13:28.530 --> 13:30.690 uh , discussed . So the , the press 13:30.690 --> 13:32.857 reports are that the Qatar plane which 13:32.857 --> 13:35.023 you just purchased about a year ago is 13:35.023 --> 13:37.190 gonna be uh delivered sometime on , on 13:37.190 --> 13:40.119 in July of 2026 . Is that true ? Uh , 13:40.210 --> 13:42.377 how much did that work or how much did 13:42.377 --> 13:45.640 the retrofit of that plane cost ? And , 13:45.849 --> 13:47.905 and where are we with the , the real 13:47.905 --> 13:50.260 fleet that , you know , we started that 13:50.260 --> 13:52.460 journey , uh , as I said , almost 10 13:52.460 --> 13:55.809 years ago . Yes , sir . Thank you for 13:55.809 --> 13:58.130 the question . Uh , when it comes to 13:58.130 --> 14:00.409 the , uh , the bridge aircraft , our 14:00.409 --> 14:02.576 current expectation is that , uh , the 14:02.576 --> 14:04.798 aircraft modification will be less than 14:04.798 --> 14:07.690 $400 million . Uh , when we talk about , 14:07.700 --> 14:11.369 um , the VC 25B and the schedule there , 14:11.809 --> 14:13.865 uh , right now the program is making 14:13.865 --> 14:16.087 good progress . Um , we've had a chance 14:16.087 --> 14:18.309 to go through and work closely with the 14:18.309 --> 14:20.420 stakeholders as well as Boeing itself 14:20.690 --> 14:23.609 to get through , uh , some key aspects 14:23.609 --> 14:25.690 of the design . Uh , we're able to 14:25.690 --> 14:27.468 close out a lot of those design 14:27.468 --> 14:30.489 questions in October of last year . Uh , 14:30.869 --> 14:33.147 the , uh , just a couple of months ago , 14:33.147 --> 14:35.369 we were able to settle the questions on 14:35.369 --> 14:37.480 airworthiness certification , and now 14:37.480 --> 14:39.425 we're in the process of generating 14:39.425 --> 14:41.250 those , those , uh , um , uh , 14:41.260 --> 14:43.950 airworthiness , uh , certification , uh , 14:44.119 --> 14:47.320 articles . So we do believe at that 14:47.320 --> 14:49.376 point we are still on track with the 14:49.376 --> 14:51.598 previous schedule in terms of having it 14:51.598 --> 14:54.010 ready in 2028 . Thank you . Again , 14:54.130 --> 14:56.530 it's still kind of , uh , well , I 14:56.530 --> 14:58.641 guess the question is if a plane that 14:58.641 --> 15:00.586 was purchased about a year ago was 15:00.586 --> 15:03.030 retrofit is being delivered in 2026 . 15:03.760 --> 15:05.927 For the president of the United States 15:05.927 --> 15:08.149 to , you know , fly in , um , and we're 15:08.149 --> 15:10.316 still waiting for the two other planes 15:10.316 --> 15:12.482 which , um , have been going through , 15:12.482 --> 15:14.704 you know , extensive retrofit as well . 15:14.704 --> 15:16.927 What , what's the difference here ? Why 15:16.927 --> 15:19.149 was one so much faster and cheaper ? Is 15:19.149 --> 15:21.371 it , is it not gonna be really the same 15:21.371 --> 15:20.960 capability ? Is that why it's a 15:20.960 --> 15:23.400 different , uh , production schedule ? 15:23.510 --> 15:25.919 Um , again , you know , as I said , 15:26.000 --> 15:28.111 we've been working on this for a long 15:28.111 --> 15:30.056 time and it just something seems a 15:30.056 --> 15:33.460 little out of sync . Yes , sir , it's , 15:33.500 --> 15:35.667 it's , uh , uh , difficult to get into 15:35.667 --> 15:37.722 the specifics on the requirements in 15:37.722 --> 15:39.667 this kind of forum . Um , I , I do 15:39.667 --> 15:42.950 think as we look at , um , this , and 15:42.950 --> 15:44.728 you'll , you'll hear it in many 15:44.728 --> 15:46.783 different areas too where we spend a 15:46.783 --> 15:48.950 lot of time getting very focused in on 15:48.950 --> 15:51.117 the user and the requirements and what 15:51.117 --> 15:52.894 the opportunity is . We look at 15:52.894 --> 15:55.006 opportunities where you'd say , hey , 15:55.006 --> 15:57.117 if we take a look at a schedule , you 15:57.117 --> 15:59.006 know , does the schedule actually 15:59.006 --> 15:58.580 benefit you ? Will you'd be willing to 15:58.580 --> 16:00.940 make trades on , on minor requirements ? 16:01.059 --> 16:03.115 Certainly not making trades on major 16:03.115 --> 16:05.260 requirements , uh , and , and you're 16:05.260 --> 16:07.371 seeing the byproduct of a lot of that 16:07.371 --> 16:09.427 work , a lot of very focused work on 16:09.427 --> 16:11.760 what's the operational need . But again , 16:11.760 --> 16:13.982 we can come back to you and talk to you 16:13.982 --> 16:16.204 in more detail in a classified form . I 16:16.204 --> 16:16.020 mean , I think we deserve that honestly 16:16.020 --> 16:18.187 because just the disparity in terms of 16:18.187 --> 16:20.409 the costs and the disparity in terms of 16:20.409 --> 16:22.820 schedule kind of screams out for some 16:22.820 --> 16:25.042 answers in terms of just trying to make 16:25.042 --> 16:27.153 sure that the aircraft is going to be 16:27.153 --> 16:29.320 capable of doing what it's supposed to 16:29.320 --> 16:31.950 do , um , and . It , it again just from 16:31.950 --> 16:34.309 a sort of intuitive standpoint it just 16:34.309 --> 16:37.070 seems like something is different 16:37.070 --> 16:39.750 between these um in , in this program 16:39.750 --> 16:42.190 that um we really need to understand 16:42.190 --> 16:44.023 better , um , you know what that 16:44.023 --> 16:46.190 difference is uh , with the rest of my 16:46.190 --> 16:48.190 time I just want to turn to General 16:48.190 --> 16:50.246 Tabor for a second to talk about the 16:50.246 --> 16:52.301 next generation airlift . I mean the 16:52.301 --> 16:54.820 C-130s . 17s and 5s fly approximately 16:54.820 --> 16:58.440 8800 to 900 mobility sorties a day 16:58.900 --> 17:00.900 and it's getting old . Um , can you 17:00.900 --> 17:02.900 talk again about what the Air Force 17:02.900 --> 17:05.650 next generation airlift efforts to , uh , 17:05.660 --> 17:08.000 keep those that , you know , capability , 17:08.420 --> 17:11.209 uh , functioning . Yes , sir , this is 17:11.209 --> 17:14.010 a highly important to us . I tell you 17:14.010 --> 17:16.177 right up front , the good news is that 17:16.177 --> 17:18.232 we don't have any immediate concerns 17:18.232 --> 17:20.121 about the viability of any of our 17:20.121 --> 17:22.343 airlift fleet . However , acknowledging 17:22.343 --> 17:25.069 that the C-17s and C-5s particularly 17:25.719 --> 17:27.775 continue to get older , we know that 17:27.775 --> 17:29.997 they will need to be recapitalized here 17:29.997 --> 17:32.459 sooner than later . So in the 27 budget , 17:32.469 --> 17:34.530 we have earmarked , actually pulled 17:34.530 --> 17:37.130 forward funding for an analysis of 17:37.130 --> 17:39.186 alternatives to kind of look at what 17:39.310 --> 17:42.310 The characteristics of a future airlift 17:42.310 --> 17:44.790 platform might be . Uh , so we think 17:44.790 --> 17:46.734 we've , uh , we're , we're getting 17:46.734 --> 17:48.679 ahead of it . Uh , it's , it's not 17:48.679 --> 17:50.512 something that we need to act on 17:50.512 --> 17:52.679 immediately , but we certainly need to 17:52.679 --> 17:54.790 be thinking about it so we can act on 17:54.790 --> 17:56.790 it before it becomes an emergency . 17:57.979 --> 17:59.979 I'll let you use some of my time so 17:59.979 --> 18:02.035 your time didn't expire . Uh , I now 18:02.035 --> 18:04.257 recognize Dr . DesJarlais . Thank you , 18:04.257 --> 18:05.979 Chairman . Thank , uh , to our 18:05.979 --> 18:08.719 witnesses and , uh , uh , channeling my 18:08.719 --> 18:10.719 inner Joe Wilson . I'm going to say 18:10.719 --> 18:12.886 that my son Ryan just got certified on 18:12.886 --> 18:14.997 the C-130 , so I'll pass along that . 18:14.997 --> 18:17.108 To , to him , and , but he was , uh , 18:17.108 --> 18:19.219 Naval Academy , went through TBS , so 18:19.219 --> 18:21.108 he's flies with the Marines . But 18:21.108 --> 18:23.441 anyway , uh , that'll be good news that , 18:23.441 --> 18:25.719 uh , better equipment's coming his way . 18:25.719 --> 18:27.886 Mr . Bailey , I noticed that you spent 18:27.886 --> 18:29.997 some time at Arnold Air Force Base in 18:29.997 --> 18:29.895 my district , and , uh , I know you 18:29.895 --> 18:32.744 understand how important RT or RDTNE , 18:32.905 --> 18:35.127 uh , funding is to ensure we stay ahead 18:35.127 --> 18:37.238 of our adversaries . I'd like to take 18:37.238 --> 18:39.127 this opportunity to encourage the 18:39.127 --> 18:41.238 continued and increased investment in 18:41.238 --> 18:43.461 our test infrastructure and the amazing 18:43.461 --> 18:43.310 work that comes out of the Air Force 18:43.310 --> 18:45.643 test community in Arnold Air Force Base . 18:45.670 --> 18:48.199 So , uh , how can Congress and the 18:48.199 --> 18:50.421 department continue to work together to 18:50.421 --> 18:52.032 increase the flexibility for 18:52.032 --> 18:53.643 construction , development , 18:53.643 --> 18:53.469 acquisition within our test 18:53.469 --> 18:56.949 infrastructure ? Yeah , thank you , sir . 18:57.010 --> 18:59.177 And that was , uh , that was a special 18:59.177 --> 19:01.066 time . That is a that is a pretty 19:01.066 --> 19:03.599 amazing base with a great mission . Uh , 19:03.760 --> 19:05.982 when I think about , when I think about 19:05.982 --> 19:08.800 those style of challenges , um , uh , 19:09.119 --> 19:12.319 you know , Congress has has supported 19:12.319 --> 19:14.486 additional flexibility on a lot of the 19:14.486 --> 19:16.708 construction activity which I think has 19:16.708 --> 19:19.199 been put to , to good use , uh , when I 19:19.199 --> 19:22.310 think more towards the future , it . Is 19:22.310 --> 19:24.430 probably in areas where we see 19:24.430 --> 19:26.374 limitations on our ability to test 19:26.374 --> 19:28.540 weapon systems um that are now 19:28.540 --> 19:31.979 consuming larger ranges , um , greater 19:31.979 --> 19:33.949 pieces out of the electromagnetic 19:33.949 --> 19:36.469 spectrum . So if we , if we could work 19:36.469 --> 19:39.390 together on issues like NEPA or even 19:39.390 --> 19:43.020 areas like spectrum access , uh , even 19:43.020 --> 19:45.630 if it is to give us opportunities to , 19:45.640 --> 19:48.630 um . Uh , to assert some priority while 19:48.630 --> 19:50.797 we're doing critical testing , I think 19:50.797 --> 19:53.270 that'll , that'll be helpful to us . Uh , 19:53.910 --> 19:55.743 moving on to drones , you know , 19:55.989 --> 19:57.933 they've proven difficult to defeat 19:57.933 --> 19:59.979 despite costing a fraction of the 19:59.979 --> 20:02.469 interceptors that are required to stop 20:02.469 --> 20:04.829 them . Uh , fixed ground radar cannot 20:04.829 --> 20:07.150 reliably detect persistent low altitude 20:07.150 --> 20:09.410 Shaheed drones . Uh , what is the 20:09.410 --> 20:11.910 department , the department doing in FY 20:11.910 --> 20:14.310 27 request to prioritize counter drone 20:14.310 --> 20:16.254 defense , including airborne early 20:16.254 --> 20:18.366 warning platforms and legacy close-in 20:18.510 --> 20:20.677 weapons systems that can address drone 20:20.677 --> 20:22.621 threats without consuming high-end 20:22.621 --> 20:24.510 interceptors needed for ballistic 20:24.510 --> 20:27.260 missile defense ? Yes , sir . The , we 20:27.260 --> 20:29.260 are working , uh , the Air Force is 20:29.260 --> 20:31.316 working closely with the , the Joint 20:31.316 --> 20:33.920 Task Force 401 , uh , in their mission , 20:34.420 --> 20:36.780 uh , counter drone mission , uh , as 20:36.780 --> 20:38.780 well as , as well as supporting the 20:38.780 --> 20:41.058 work being done as part of Golden Dome , 20:41.058 --> 20:43.113 uh , for some of those more advanced 20:43.113 --> 20:45.058 threats . Uh , I can tell you from 20:45.058 --> 20:47.169 working closely with that team , uh , 20:47.219 --> 20:49.500 the Air Force's view has always been 20:49.500 --> 20:51.500 around the need , the , the need to 20:51.500 --> 20:53.611 focus in on command and control . And 20:53.611 --> 20:55.667 very specifically open architectures 20:55.667 --> 20:57.722 inside that command and control . We 20:57.722 --> 20:59.722 will see , as you noted , the , the 20:59.722 --> 21:01.611 threat will pivot and it'll pivot 21:01.611 --> 21:03.778 quickly . So your choice of sensors or 21:03.778 --> 21:05.778 sensing will need to keep pace with 21:05.778 --> 21:07.833 what that threat is doing . And then 21:07.833 --> 21:10.150 also you mentioned effectors , uh , you 21:10.150 --> 21:12.530 know , shooting a million dollar weapon 21:12.530 --> 21:15.670 at a , a $4000 drone does not make 21:15.670 --> 21:18.079 sense . So you'll need to be able to , 21:18.229 --> 21:20.285 to be agile there and keep pace with 21:20.285 --> 21:22.396 the threat . So again , sir , we work 21:22.396 --> 21:25.280 closely with that that Giata 401 and 21:25.280 --> 21:27.447 for our part , whether it's changes in 21:27.447 --> 21:29.780 the sensors or changes in the effectors , 21:30.000 --> 21:32.056 you're always going to want , you're 21:32.056 --> 21:34.222 always going to want some stability in 21:34.222 --> 21:36.278 your command and control . Yes sir . 21:36.278 --> 21:38.333 And with all due respect from our to 21:38.333 --> 21:40.500 our chairman from Tupelo , Mississippi 21:40.500 --> 21:42.722 who may not agree with the KC-46 tanker 21:42.722 --> 21:45.010 placement , uh , I've got . We're proud 21:45.010 --> 21:47.066 of our Tennessee , uh , Air National 21:47.066 --> 21:49.288 Guard members who will be receiving the 21:49.288 --> 21:51.510 K-46 tanker at McGee Tyson Air National 21:51.510 --> 21:53.232 Guard base in Knoxville , uh , 21:53.232 --> 21:55.459 Tennessee . Are you expecting the cost 21:55.459 --> 21:58.140 and scheduled delays to the KC-46 21:58.140 --> 22:00.362 program to impact when units can expect 22:00.362 --> 22:02.473 a new platform to arrive , and either 22:02.473 --> 22:04.640 one's welcome to take that . Uh , I'll 22:04.640 --> 22:06.862 take that . The short answer is no . We 22:06.862 --> 22:09.390 don't anticipate any kind of delays at 22:09.390 --> 22:12.310 this point . I think , uh , currently 22:12.310 --> 22:14.477 programmed for those aircraft to begin 22:14.477 --> 22:18.060 arriving in FY 31 , uh , so barring 22:18.060 --> 22:20.393 anything happening between now and then , 22:20.393 --> 22:22.504 uh , we should be on that path . OK . 22:23.229 --> 22:25.507 Did you have anything to add , uh , Mr . 22:25.507 --> 22:28.300 Bailey ? Uh , no , uh , General Tabor 22:28.300 --> 22:30.356 has that timeline down . OK , well , 22:30.356 --> 22:32.522 the chairman has Elvis and we have the 22:32.522 --> 22:34.522 KC-46 , so we're all good . I yield 22:34.522 --> 22:37.640 back . I'll just note that the 22:37.640 --> 22:41.000 refueling was created in Key Field by 22:41.000 --> 22:42.722 the Key brothers in Meridian , 22:42.722 --> 22:44.667 Mississippi , where is where those 22:44.667 --> 22:46.944 KC-46s should be . But that being said , 22:46.944 --> 22:49.439 I now recognize Mr . Norcross . Is that 22:49.439 --> 22:51.550 above or below the Mason-Dixon line ? 22:54.829 --> 22:58.410 3.9 billion . So , uh , thank you 22:58.410 --> 23:00.699 for the witnesses here today . Just 23:00.699 --> 23:04.310 wanna follow up on the , uh , CV25 23:04.310 --> 23:06.989 program . Uh , the original cost 23:06.989 --> 23:09.349 projections , original , not 10 years 23:09.349 --> 23:13.260 ago , is 3.5 23:13.260 --> 23:15.589 billion . Mr . Bailey , do you have a 23:15.589 --> 23:17.469 figure on the current program ? 23:19.920 --> 23:21.864 No , no , I don't , I don't at the 23:21.864 --> 23:23.920 moment . Well , it was reported back 23:23.920 --> 23:26.380 then 3 , so the point I'm making , each 23:26.599 --> 23:29.060 of the ones that are being retrofitted 23:29.439 --> 23:33.180 or new are about 1.5 billion plus , 23:33.719 --> 23:36.660 and we are years into it . So the idea 23:37.239 --> 23:39.239 from the one that was gifted to our 23:39.239 --> 23:42.199 country from Qatari of taking 400 23:42.199 --> 23:46.030 million . And Trying 23:46.030 --> 23:48.086 to understand the difference between 23:48.086 --> 23:51.930 our existing fleet . And the Qatari 23:53.160 --> 23:56.030 There's a difference Is that correct ? 23:56.969 --> 23:57.969 Operationally ? 24:02.109 --> 24:04.276 Sir , I'd have to say in like in terms 24:04.276 --> 24:06.387 of overall performance , it should be 24:06.387 --> 24:07.998 similar in performance , not 24:07.998 --> 24:10.053 performance in its operations , it's 24:10.053 --> 24:12.699 mission . Do they both the Qatari and 24:12.699 --> 24:14.849 our existing two have the same 24:14.849 --> 24:17.670 capabilities to my understanding , sir , 24:18.170 --> 24:20.489 well , actually , sir , we have a hard 24:20.489 --> 24:22.822 time having this conversation without I , 24:22.822 --> 24:24.822 yeah , we're , we're going down the 24:24.822 --> 24:24.609 road . We're not gonna cross that line . 24:24.689 --> 24:27.010 I got it . Uh , I , I'd say like in 24:27.010 --> 24:29.229 terms of its ability to transport , 24:30.010 --> 24:33.109 it's the same airframe . Well , that's 24:33.109 --> 24:35.276 pretty vague . So for what we're gonna 24:35.276 --> 24:39.030 pay a million , 1.5 each , we just got 24:39.030 --> 24:40.919 one given to us that costs us 400 24:40.919 --> 24:42.974 million . You see , the math doesn't 24:42.974 --> 24:45.197 really add up , and we're not trying to 24:45.197 --> 24:48.439 put you in a position to say what it is , 24:48.869 --> 24:51.050 but they aren't the same capabilities 24:51.109 --> 24:54.630 to do what it has to do . Can the Qatar , 24:54.709 --> 24:56.931 what are you calling the Qatari plane ? 24:56.931 --> 24:59.042 What are you calling that for it as a 24:59.042 --> 25:00.987 bridge aircraft , sir ? The bridge 25:00.987 --> 25:03.209 aircraft . Let's make sure I put that . 25:03.209 --> 25:05.320 Well , that Be part of the mission to 25:05.320 --> 25:07.265 fly outside the continental United 25:07.265 --> 25:09.540 States . I'm not clear on that . 25:13.040 --> 25:15.890 Um , I'm not clear on that , sir . The 25:15.890 --> 25:18.290 new Qatari , the bridge , will that be 25:18.290 --> 25:20.512 cleared ? Will the president be able to 25:20.512 --> 25:22.679 fly that outside of the borders of the 25:22.679 --> 25:24.790 continental United States ? I'll have 25:24.790 --> 25:26.957 to take that , uh , for record , sir . 25:27.229 --> 25:29.062 All right , this is getting more 25:29.062 --> 25:31.285 difficult than I thought . Let's switch 25:31.285 --> 25:33.285 over to something a little bit more 25:33.285 --> 25:35.173 pleasant , the KC-46 . We've gone 25:35.173 --> 25:37.349 through a long and difficult highway , 25:37.430 --> 25:40.349 but from what I'm hearing , uh , we're 25:40.349 --> 25:43.790 on the right path . So General Midnight 25:43.790 --> 25:46.189 Hammer , some of the , uh , 25:46.430 --> 25:48.780 capabilities of the KC-46 , were there 25:48.780 --> 25:52.780 any issues ? During Midnight 25:52.780 --> 25:56.469 Hammer or the present . Conflict that's 25:56.469 --> 25:58.989 going on with KC 46 and its ability to 25:58.989 --> 26:01.156 do its mission , not to my knowledge , 26:01.156 --> 26:04.229 Congressman . OK , uh , and I assume 26:04.229 --> 26:06.900 that none of those have the , the new , 26:06.949 --> 26:09.589 uh , uh , vision system . I should know 26:09.589 --> 26:13.550 this , that . Oh , yeah , the RVS 26:13.550 --> 26:16.069 2.0 . They do have them . They do not 26:16.069 --> 26:18.300 have RVS 2 . OK , so they're operating 26:18.300 --> 26:20.522 as they came out . That's correct . And 26:20.522 --> 26:23.300 we expect the first ones with the , uh , 26:23.500 --> 26:27.300 new system to be delivered when ? So 26:27.300 --> 26:31.140 RVS 2.0 , the production cut in 26:31.140 --> 26:34.099 will occur in the second quarter of FY 26:34.099 --> 26:37.739 28 . Uh , and so that , that's for the 26:37.739 --> 26:40.017 production aircraft . There'll be some , 26:40.017 --> 26:42.099 uh , uh , retrofitting , uh , that 26:42.099 --> 26:44.500 begins , uh , prior to that . So when 26:44.500 --> 26:47.420 do we expect the first , whether it's a 26:47.420 --> 26:49.849 retro or coming off the line , the new 26:49.849 --> 26:52.660 visual system to be operational in the 26:52.660 --> 26:56.260 first plane ? Uh , so on track to , 26:56.280 --> 26:58.800 uh , start delivering early summer of 26:58.800 --> 27:01.849 27 . Great . So , about a year from now . 27:01.930 --> 27:05.800 So , I'll just wrap this up . Even 27:05.800 --> 27:09.069 though it had some very serious issues , 27:09.589 --> 27:12.979 we're seeing it operate . In a way that 27:12.979 --> 27:15.090 has not been detrimental to our fleet 27:15.090 --> 27:16.979 or our flyers , is that correct ? 27:16.979 --> 27:19.530 That's absolutely correct . Good , I 27:19.530 --> 27:21.729 think that's important to know , given 27:21.729 --> 27:23.951 where we came from , and with that I'll 27:23.951 --> 27:26.118 give back balance of my time . I thank 27:26.118 --> 27:28.229 you , Mr . Norcross . I now recognize 27:28.229 --> 27:30.160 Doctor Jackson . Thank you , Mr . 27:30.250 --> 27:32.194 Chairman , and uh thank you , Mr . 27:32.194 --> 27:34.472 Tabor and General for being here today . 27:34.472 --> 27:36.417 Appreciate your time . Uh , in our 27:36.417 --> 27:38.750 increasingly complex global environment , 27:38.750 --> 27:40.861 the Air Force remains the cornerstone 27:40.861 --> 27:40.599 of our ability to project power 27:40.599 --> 27:42.719 globally . Uh , as the proud 27:42.719 --> 27:44.386 representative for Texas 13th 27:44.386 --> 27:46.441 Congressional District , home to the 27:46.441 --> 27:48.663 incredible airmen at Shepherd Air Force 27:48.663 --> 27:50.386 Base , I've seen firsthand the 27:50.386 --> 27:52.497 dedication and investment required to 27:52.497 --> 27:54.608 maintain that edge every single day . 27:54.608 --> 27:56.719 As we ask our fleet to fly longer and 27:56.719 --> 27:56.510 further than ever before , I look 27:56.510 --> 27:58.677 forward to hearing how the Air Force's 27:58.677 --> 28:00.677 2027 budget request , which rightly 28:00.677 --> 28:03.750 seeks a 26% increase in funding , will 28:03.750 --> 28:05.750 provide the investment necessary to 28:05.750 --> 28:07.806 support readiness at all levels from 28:07.806 --> 28:09.806 next generation platforms and fleet 28:09.806 --> 28:12.139 modernization to training , maintenance , 28:12.139 --> 28:14.194 and sustainment . Shepherd Air Force 28:14.194 --> 28:13.910 Base in my district is home to the 28:13.910 --> 28:16.077 eighty-second Training Wing , which is 28:16.077 --> 28:17.688 responsible for training the 28:17.688 --> 28:19.799 maintainers who keep our fleet in the 28:19.799 --> 28:21.799 air . As the Air Force undertakes a 28:21.799 --> 28:23.688 generational modernization of its 28:23.688 --> 28:25.910 boomer , sorry , of its bomber mobility 28:25.910 --> 28:28.021 and special mission aircraft fleets , 28:28.021 --> 28:30.243 our maintenance training must evolve as 28:30.243 --> 28:32.489 well . General and Mr . Bailey , both , 28:32.689 --> 28:34.745 what steps are being taken to invest 28:34.745 --> 28:36.800 the modernization , to invest in the 28:36.800 --> 28:38.911 modernization of technical training ? 28:38.911 --> 28:41.022 How are we ensuring that the training 28:41.022 --> 28:43.245 our maintainers received today prepares 28:43.245 --> 28:45.467 them for the platforms and systems they 28:45.467 --> 28:45.170 will encounter on the flight line in 28:45.170 --> 28:48.050 the future ? Uh , Doctor Jackson , 28:48.160 --> 28:50.271 thank you for that question . Uh , so 28:50.271 --> 28:52.493 we're , uh , undertaking quite a number 28:52.493 --> 28:54.438 of things to the tune of about $60 28:54.438 --> 28:56.438 million a year at , uh , Shepherd . 28:56.438 --> 28:58.160 That includes , uh , classroom 28:58.160 --> 29:00.327 modernization , uh , which , uh , is , 29:00.327 --> 29:03.160 uh , IT infrastructure . Uh , it's , uh , 29:03.170 --> 29:05.250 digitizing the , uh , the current 29:05.250 --> 29:07.890 courseware . Uh , augmented and , uh , 29:07.900 --> 29:10.660 virtual , uh , reality devices for 29:10.660 --> 29:12.719 students , uh , connectivity , uh , 29:12.739 --> 29:14.850 throughout the , uh , dorms . Uh , so 29:14.850 --> 29:17.183 it's really kind of , uh , I think , uh , 29:17.219 --> 29:19.441 changed fundamentally from the way that 29:19.441 --> 29:21.663 we have done things in the past there . 29:21.670 --> 29:23.837 Thank you , and you know , also , uh , 29:23.837 --> 29:26.059 I would say that uh we , we , we've had 29:26.059 --> 29:28.170 some conversations in the past and uh 29:28.170 --> 29:32.069 talking about uh the uh the ability for 29:32.319 --> 29:34.486 places like Shepherd Air Force Base to 29:34.560 --> 29:36.449 acquire a little bit more for the 29:36.449 --> 29:38.671 students that they have as far as their 29:38.671 --> 29:40.727 funding , not getting full credit to 29:40.727 --> 29:42.893 maintain their facilities based on the 29:42.893 --> 29:44.893 number of bodies that they actually 29:44.893 --> 29:47.004 have on base on their day to day , so 29:47.004 --> 29:49.282 we're gonna address that as well . Sir , 29:49.282 --> 29:51.393 Anything , Dad ? Uh , no , sir . We , 29:51.500 --> 29:53.722 we've looked at other ways to modernize 29:53.722 --> 29:55.833 the materials that those trainers are 29:55.833 --> 29:57.722 using through commercial solution 29:57.722 --> 29:59.778 offerings . Uh , we expect to extend 29:59.778 --> 30:01.833 that to the maintenance community as 30:01.833 --> 30:04.167 well . Thank you . I appreciate it . Um , 30:04.167 --> 30:06.389 one more question , uh , General , uh , 30:06.389 --> 30:08.444 recently I had a great visit down to 30:08.444 --> 30:10.500 Air Force Special Operations Command 30:10.500 --> 30:10.500 headquarters in Herbert Field , where I 30:10.500 --> 30:12.444 had the opportunity to see the Air 30:12.444 --> 30:14.389 Force Special Operations fleet and 30:14.389 --> 30:16.278 witness the evolving missions the 30:16.278 --> 30:18.333 command is undertaking . Uh , as the 30:18.333 --> 30:20.111 chairman of the Subcommittee on 30:20.111 --> 30:19.790 Intelligence and Special Operations , 30:20.000 --> 30:22.111 it's especially encouraging to have a 30:22.111 --> 30:24.167 leader with your background , having 30:24.167 --> 30:26.389 commanded at the squadron group , group 30:26.389 --> 30:28.444 and wing levels within the Air Force 30:28.444 --> 30:30.667 Special Operations Command , as well as 30:30.667 --> 30:29.750 most recently as the Commander of 30:29.750 --> 30:31.750 Special Operations Command Europe . 30:31.920 --> 30:33.976 Given your experience in our Special 30:33.976 --> 30:36.790 Operations Forces . Uh , fleet across a 30:36.790 --> 30:38.829 slate of critical soft commands . 30:39.109 --> 30:40.998 What's your assessment of the Air 30:40.998 --> 30:43.053 Force's sustainment of the Air Force 30:43.053 --> 30:44.942 Special Operations fleet ? Are we 30:44.942 --> 30:47.109 providing enough support to keep these 30:47.109 --> 30:49.109 specialized platforms ready for the 30:49.109 --> 30:51.220 increased operational tempo that they 30:51.220 --> 30:51.209 face today and will face in the future ? 30:52.349 --> 30:54.460 Yes , sir , we certainly are . Uh , I 30:54.460 --> 30:56.738 pulled , uh , some of the numbers , uh , 30:56.738 --> 30:59.071 here just , uh , recently . MC-130 , uh , 30:59.071 --> 31:01.520 rates , uh , currently at about 80% . 31:01.890 --> 31:05.260 Uh , AC-130s , uh , just over 72% . 31:05.369 --> 31:07.900 That's , uh , about anywhere from 10 to 31:07.900 --> 31:11.780 15% higher than , uh , the rest of the , 31:11.790 --> 31:13.849 uh , fleet . So , uh , they have the 31:13.849 --> 31:16.071 benefit of a little bit smaller fleet , 31:16.071 --> 31:18.369 uh , and so I think they get a little 31:18.369 --> 31:20.480 bit more uh touch time perhaps than , 31:20.480 --> 31:23.739 uh . The rest of the Air Force fleet 31:23.739 --> 31:25.939 does . So they seem to be doing much 31:25.939 --> 31:27.661 better . That said , there are 31:27.661 --> 31:29.550 investments that we are currently 31:29.550 --> 31:31.640 making specifically in mission 31:31.640 --> 31:35.579 computers for the C-130 fleet , and 31:35.579 --> 31:38.689 that's Air Force-wide , but the AFSOC 31:38.689 --> 31:41.022 aircraft are being prioritized for that . 31:41.022 --> 31:43.078 And then on the V-22s , which I know 31:43.078 --> 31:45.133 you're also very interested in , the 31:45.133 --> 31:47.800 vector , the enhanced cockpit 31:47.800 --> 31:49.856 technology replacement , that's also 31:49.856 --> 31:51.800 something that we have funded here 31:51.800 --> 31:54.420 recently to the tune of about $200 31:54.420 --> 31:56.859 million over the FTA . So my , my 31:56.859 --> 31:58.692 assessment is that they're doing 31:58.692 --> 32:00.970 extraordinarily well in ASOC right now . 32:01.140 --> 32:03.084 Thank you , and you know I've been 32:03.084 --> 32:05.196 working with the SOCOM community with 32:05.196 --> 32:07.307 SOCOM commander , uh , and you know , 32:07.307 --> 32:09.529 pushing for the fact that I don't think 32:09.529 --> 32:09.390 that the SOCOM budget in general is 32:09.390 --> 32:11.501 where it's supposed to be . It should 32:11.501 --> 32:13.612 be much higher than it is right now . 32:13.612 --> 32:12.989 It's not really keeping up with 32:12.989 --> 32:14.989 inflation even it's been flat for a 32:14.989 --> 32:17.156 long time and that translates into the 32:17.156 --> 32:19.322 Air Force special operations community 32:19.322 --> 32:21.545 as well . So , uh , keep that in mind . 32:21.545 --> 32:23.767 I think we , we need to provide the Air 32:23.767 --> 32:25.989 Force Special Operations Command with a 32:25.989 --> 32:28.156 little bit more in the process so that 32:28.156 --> 32:30.267 we make sure that we're not basically 32:30.267 --> 32:32.322 taking away from those that are that 32:32.322 --> 32:34.545 literally are on the tip of the spear . 32:34.545 --> 32:34.449 Thank you . You're back , gentleman , 32:34.540 --> 32:36.596 Yos back now recognize Mr . Benman . 32:37.500 --> 32:39.444 Thank you , Chairman . Thank you , 32:39.444 --> 32:41.556 gentlemen for testifying today . So , 32:41.556 --> 32:43.667 Mr . Bailey , given the vulnerability 32:43.667 --> 32:45.889 of current tanker aircraft in contested 32:45.889 --> 32:47.833 airspace , what is the Air Force's 32:47.833 --> 32:50.056 timeline for fielding survivability and 32:50.056 --> 32:52.270 connectivity upgrades to the advanced 32:52.270 --> 32:54.739 tanker system , and are those , uh , 32:54.750 --> 32:58.560 funding levels sufficient ? Yes , sir , 32:59.160 --> 33:01.327 thank you for the question . There are 33:01.327 --> 33:03.549 a couple of components that we consider 33:03.549 --> 33:06.160 in how do we improve the survivability . 33:06.479 --> 33:08.646 We talked a little bit earlier about , 33:08.646 --> 33:10.760 uh , uh , how we're putting satellite 33:10.760 --> 33:13.130 communications and beyond line of site 33:13.130 --> 33:15.520 communications into that fleet , uh , 33:15.599 --> 33:17.821 the tanker fleet . Uh , it's going into 33:17.821 --> 33:20.880 135s as well as KC-46s , as well as 33:20.880 --> 33:24.339 C-17s , as well as C-130s . Uh , that 33:24.390 --> 33:26.612 situational awareness has , has already 33:26.612 --> 33:29.260 yielded benefits . Uh , in , in the 135 33:29.260 --> 33:31.482 community as they were able , they were 33:31.482 --> 33:33.204 able very recently to , to get 33:33.204 --> 33:35.316 situational awareness and turn around 33:35.316 --> 33:37.538 an abort out of a high threat area . So 33:37.538 --> 33:39.649 we've seen and Air Mobility command's 33:39.649 --> 33:41.649 been very clear with us on the real 33:41.649 --> 33:43.371 value of , of that situational 33:43.371 --> 33:45.593 awareness that the Beyond line of sight 33:45.593 --> 33:47.760 coms can yield . What we're looking at 33:47.760 --> 33:49.982 now is , uh , is now when we talk about 33:49.982 --> 33:52.199 the rest of what goes into , uh , 33:52.209 --> 33:54.349 survivability . And now we're talking 33:54.349 --> 33:56.460 about sensing and we're talking about 33:56.460 --> 33:58.682 countermeasure uh development as well . 33:58.682 --> 34:00.949 Uh , we're shifting now from , uh , a 34:00.949 --> 34:03.729 lot of the , um , surface to air kinds 34:03.729 --> 34:05.840 of concerns like we did with Laarrium 34:06.310 --> 34:09.050 program and now looking at what happens , 34:09.060 --> 34:11.060 uh , at the water line and above as 34:11.060 --> 34:13.116 we're looking at threats coming down 34:13.116 --> 34:15.659 below . Uh , so there is work that is 34:15.659 --> 34:17.881 that can be transitioning , uh , within 34:17.881 --> 34:20.103 the FIDE . We have investments that are 34:20.103 --> 34:22.229 in place both for . Uh , both for the 34:22.229 --> 34:24.451 communications programs as well as that 34:24.451 --> 34:26.285 sensor and countermeasure , uh , 34:26.285 --> 34:28.368 countermeasure activity . Yeah , so 34:28.368 --> 34:30.648 just to um dive a little deeper into 34:30.648 --> 34:32.926 that one . Obviously , we've seen , um , 34:32.926 --> 34:35.569 for , for base defense issues , the 34:35.569 --> 34:38.089 challenges that unmanned systems , um , 34:38.790 --> 34:42.510 Uh , create and , um , the 34:42.510 --> 34:44.621 spider web operation in , in Russia , 34:44.621 --> 34:47.229 Ukraine , but also in , uh , in our 34:47.229 --> 34:49.629 current Middle East conflict . So this 34:49.629 --> 34:52.649 is part of that component is that also 34:52.770 --> 34:54.969 like on the ground component , uh , 34:55.429 --> 34:57.510 counter UAS are there investments in 34:57.510 --> 35:00.989 that ? Yes , sir . As , as , as we work 35:00.989 --> 35:03.239 with , as we work with the , the , the 35:03.239 --> 35:06.550 GAF 401 crowd , uh , we look at , we 35:06.550 --> 35:08.661 look at , um , ground-based sensing , 35:09.199 --> 35:12.030 uh , active systems , passive systems 35:12.030 --> 35:14.270 there , um , and how do they network 35:14.270 --> 35:16.603 together based on a particular location . 35:16.750 --> 35:19.083 This is an area where geography matters , 35:19.189 --> 35:21.750 the base layout matters , um , and so , 35:22.030 --> 35:24.086 you know , what's our opportunity to 35:24.086 --> 35:26.308 tailor that base by base . Uh , combine 35:26.308 --> 35:28.419 that with command and control as well 35:28.419 --> 35:30.419 as in the end the factors that will 35:30.419 --> 35:32.752 allow us to go and engage those , those , 35:32.752 --> 35:34.800 that range of threats . General , 35:35.110 --> 35:37.439 anything to add on that one ? I , I 35:37.439 --> 35:39.550 would just add that , uh , you know , 35:39.550 --> 35:41.772 this is a , a very busy space right now 35:41.772 --> 35:44.050 for all the reasons that you highlight , 35:44.050 --> 35:46.217 and , uh , we really are looking at it 35:46.217 --> 35:48.550 in kind of a layered , uh , perspective . 35:48.550 --> 35:48.239 Obviously here in the continental 35:48.239 --> 35:50.183 United States , Golden Dome , uh , 35:50.183 --> 35:52.459 becomes a piece of that , not , uh , 35:52.560 --> 35:54.727 everything , but a piece of that . And 35:54.727 --> 35:56.893 then as you neck it down , I mean , we 35:56.893 --> 35:59.060 have the extent , uh , systems that we 35:59.060 --> 36:01.239 have our , uh , uh , counter small UAS 36:01.239 --> 36:04.169 detection , uh , system . Uh , and to 36:04.169 --> 36:06.391 Mr . Bailey's point , you know , what , 36:06.391 --> 36:08.169 what we can do from an effector 36:08.270 --> 36:10.330 perspective in the KOA is much 36:10.330 --> 36:12.909 different than what we can do overseas . 36:13.449 --> 36:15.671 And so we're trying to round that out , 36:15.671 --> 36:18.090 and that's where GAA 401 and the work 36:18.090 --> 36:20.889 of the , the dog comes in and 36:20.889 --> 36:23.250 developing new capabilities perhaps 36:23.250 --> 36:26.260 that we can use here . Uh , in the 36:26.260 --> 36:29.679 United States , but again reinforcing 36:29.679 --> 36:32.050 Mr . Bailey's point , we , we're really 36:32.050 --> 36:34.379 focused on how do we internalize this 36:34.379 --> 36:36.601 and make it something that is much more 36:36.601 --> 36:38.490 permanent that we can continue to 36:38.490 --> 36:41.270 develop because it's sorely needed . So , 36:41.290 --> 36:43.729 um , on the unmanned systems side , and 36:43.729 --> 36:45.951 I've got about a minute left here , but 36:45.951 --> 36:48.173 can you talk about the investments that 36:48.173 --> 36:50.396 the Air Force is making in the unmanned 36:50.396 --> 36:52.507 systems ? I mean , the other services 36:52.507 --> 36:54.451 are , are looking at the defensive 36:54.451 --> 36:56.673 component and offensive component . Can 36:56.673 --> 36:58.896 you talk about what investments the Air 36:58.896 --> 37:01.007 Force is making in offensive unmanned 37:01.007 --> 37:03.062 systems ? Yeah , well , so I would , 37:03.062 --> 37:05.219 I'd be happy to give you the precise 37:05.219 --> 37:07.459 details on how much we have in the 37:07.459 --> 37:10.260 Sioux ads for the record . What I'll 37:10.260 --> 37:12.820 tell you is that with the standup of 37:12.820 --> 37:16.340 JAF 401 , a sizable chunk of that money 37:16.340 --> 37:20.060 from OSW went to that organization to 37:20.060 --> 37:22.830 do this development . On behalf of the , 37:22.840 --> 37:25.159 uh , the services , and then we'll 37:25.159 --> 37:27.326 reach in there to , uh , to pull those 37:27.326 --> 37:29.215 things out , but I don't have the 37:29.215 --> 37:31.437 precise number , uh , for how much they 37:31.437 --> 37:33.770 have . I'm happy to provide that though . 37:34.159 --> 37:37.080 Thank you , Ariel Doc . Now recognize 37:37.080 --> 37:38.802 former chairman of this , uh , 37:38.802 --> 37:40.939 subcommittee , Mr . Whitman . Well 37:40.939 --> 37:43.050 thank you Mr . Chairman . I'd like to 37:43.050 --> 37:44.995 thank our witnesses for joining us 37:44.995 --> 37:47.161 today . Uh , General Tabor , I want to 37:47.161 --> 37:47.020 start out with you , but I do want to , 37:47.179 --> 37:49.179 uh , reach back into some history . 37:49.179 --> 37:51.512 It's been about 10 years ago where , uh , 37:51.512 --> 37:53.512 Mr . Bailey and I , and at the time 37:53.512 --> 37:56.199 Colonel White , uh , visited Palmdale 37:56.379 --> 37:58.546 to the Northrop Grumman facility there 37:58.546 --> 38:01.100 when the B-21 was in its infancy . And 38:01.100 --> 38:03.267 they were spinning up workforce and we 38:03.267 --> 38:05.433 were talking about all the things that 38:05.433 --> 38:07.489 were going on as the Air Force , RCO 38:07.860 --> 38:09.916 and Northrop government were working 38:09.916 --> 38:12.027 hand in hand , shoulder to shoulder , 38:12.027 --> 38:13.971 and the initial , uh , elements of 38:13.971 --> 38:15.916 putting the aircraft manufacturing 38:15.916 --> 38:17.860 scheme together , also testing the 38:17.860 --> 38:19.971 aircraft , looking at the things that 38:19.971 --> 38:21.916 we would do , and , uh , the , the 38:21.916 --> 38:24.138 thing that I remember most vividly from 38:24.138 --> 38:26.659 that was the , the projection that we 38:26.659 --> 38:29.139 were going to go from a clean sheet 38:29.139 --> 38:31.790 paper design . To a digital design . 38:32.489 --> 38:34.489 And call me skeptical . I thought , 38:34.489 --> 38:36.545 gosh , how , how are you going to do 38:36.545 --> 38:36.159 that ? How are you going to get the 38:36.159 --> 38:39.050 workforce to do that ? And I was 100% 38:39.050 --> 38:41.217 wrong . That was a great success story 38:41.217 --> 38:43.239 in how to , uh , execute one of the 38:43.239 --> 38:46.429 most complex aircraft ever manufactured 38:46.850 --> 38:48.794 in human history . And here we are 38:48.794 --> 38:50.906 today with that aircraft . But I also 38:50.906 --> 38:53.017 want to go back historically and talk 38:53.017 --> 38:55.072 about the assumptions that were made 38:55.072 --> 38:57.294 about that aircraft and what capability 38:57.294 --> 38:59.406 it would provide to the United States 38:59.406 --> 39:01.517 10 years ago . And where we are today 39:01.517 --> 39:03.628 and looking at what that aircraft can 39:03.628 --> 39:05.699 do in a highly contested environment 39:06.050 --> 39:08.272 where it's going to be key to have just 39:08.272 --> 39:10.439 that sort of capability , a capability 39:10.439 --> 39:12.272 that the Chinese do not have , a 39:12.272 --> 39:14.383 capability that we're going to need , 39:14.383 --> 39:17.090 in instances where there is a large 39:17.090 --> 39:19.399 scale threat to the United States . So 39:19.399 --> 39:21.621 my question is , is the analysis at the 39:21.621 --> 39:23.810 time was that we needed about 100 of 39:23.810 --> 39:27.709 those aircraft . I would ask you today , 39:27.770 --> 39:29.881 based on what you know and the threat 39:29.881 --> 39:31.992 scenario today and what that aircraft 39:31.992 --> 39:33.659 brings to the table as far as 39:33.659 --> 39:35.770 capability to be able to operate in a 39:35.770 --> 39:37.826 highly contested environment in ways 39:37.826 --> 39:40.050 that provide significant challenges for 39:40.050 --> 39:42.860 the Chinese to counter is that 100 39:42.860 --> 39:45.030 aircraft estimate that originated . 39:45.909 --> 39:48.360 Over 10 years ago , is that assumption 39:48.360 --> 39:51.239 the same today ? Should we be satisfied 39:51.239 --> 39:53.406 with 100 aircraft ? Should that number 39:53.406 --> 39:57.199 be different , higher , lower ? Give us 39:57.199 --> 39:59.143 your assessment about where we are 39:59.143 --> 40:01.860 today versus where we were 10 years ago 40:02.159 --> 40:04.159 with the assumptions about how many 40:04.159 --> 40:07.229 aircraft we need . Sir , that's a great 40:07.229 --> 40:09.062 topic and one that's being hotly 40:09.062 --> 40:11.173 debated in a lot of different corners 40:11.173 --> 40:13.340 right now . I'll tell you that the Air 40:13.340 --> 40:15.562 Force position is that we need at least 40:15.562 --> 40:18.810 100 B-21s , acknowledging that there 40:18.810 --> 40:21.032 are a lot of voices that would say that 40:21.379 --> 40:24.550 some say as many as 400 , 300 , 200 . 40:24.989 --> 40:27.600 Uh , my sense is that we do need more 40:27.600 --> 40:29.822 than 100 . What I can't tell you is the 40:29.822 --> 40:32.159 precise number that it , uh , needs to 40:32.159 --> 40:34.326 be . But for all the excellent reasons 40:34.326 --> 40:36.860 that you pointed out , I mean , 100 is , 40:37.199 --> 40:39.421 is the program of record that we , uh , 40:39.421 --> 40:41.588 stuck with . We're in the process of , 40:41.588 --> 40:43.643 uh , sharpening our pencils , really 40:43.643 --> 40:45.810 getting down to exactly what that is . 40:45.810 --> 40:48.088 And I think here in the next , uh , uh , 40:48.088 --> 40:50.310 year , by the time we get to the , uh , 40:50.310 --> 40:52.421 28 . Uh , budget , we'll be able to , 40:52.421 --> 40:54.588 uh , give you a better answer , a much 40:54.588 --> 40:56.755 more precise answer , and show you our 40:56.755 --> 40:56.459 homework . Now , listen , I would 40:56.459 --> 40:58.348 encourage you , especially as the 40:58.348 --> 41:00.515 threat dynamic changes there , to , to 41:00.515 --> 41:02.348 give us a more up to-date number 41:02.540 --> 41:04.540 because I think the capability that 41:04.540 --> 41:06.820 aircraft provides is pretty amazing , 41:06.860 --> 41:10.139 and I think it dovetails exactly in as 41:10.139 --> 41:12.250 we see the threat and the things that 41:12.250 --> 41:14.472 we need to , to be able to , to perform 41:14.472 --> 41:16.479 in that environment . Mr . Bailey , 41:16.590 --> 41:18.646 good to see you . I know that , uh , 41:18.646 --> 41:20.868 through the years we've had a chance to 41:20.868 --> 41:22.590 cross paths multiple times . I 41:22.590 --> 41:22.239 appreciate all the great work that 41:22.239 --> 41:24.350 you've done for the Air Force through 41:24.350 --> 41:26.461 the years . I wanted to , to get your 41:26.461 --> 41:29.739 perspective on the KC-46 program , 41:30.120 --> 41:33.399 and obviously that's another key as we 41:33.399 --> 41:36.949 look at , uh , operations like , uh , 41:36.959 --> 41:39.239 Operation Midnight Hammer . We had an 41:39.239 --> 41:41.461 opportunity to talk to the pilots there 41:41.461 --> 41:43.572 and the missions that they flew and . 41:43.572 --> 41:45.739 And how they had to fly those missions 41:45.739 --> 41:47.850 and how refueling was a critical part 41:47.850 --> 41:50.320 of that and how we have a fleet of 41:50.320 --> 41:52.431 aging aircraft . We saw unfortunately 41:52.431 --> 41:55.159 with the KC-135 , a crash that occurred 41:55.159 --> 41:57.830 there . Uh , so the , the challenge is 41:57.830 --> 41:59.941 for us is how do we make sure that we 41:59.941 --> 42:02.919 have not just a fleet of newer aircraft 42:03.320 --> 42:05.376 for a whole variety of reasons , but 42:05.376 --> 42:07.209 then how do we make sure that we 42:07.209 --> 42:09.389 sustain . That fleet , you know , the 42:09.389 --> 42:11.989 challenges with the OKC-135s is even 42:11.989 --> 42:14.045 with service life extensions and the 42:14.045 --> 42:15.822 things we have when you have an 42:15.822 --> 42:17.830 aircraft that is no longer going 42:17.830 --> 42:19.886 through a hot production line , uh , 42:20.149 --> 42:22.371 sustainment becomes a challenge because 42:22.371 --> 42:24.593 you just don't have the spare parts and 42:24.593 --> 42:26.593 then you're into one-off production 42:26.593 --> 42:28.760 which is prohibitively expensive . And 42:28.760 --> 42:30.705 also takes down your , your , your 42:30.705 --> 42:32.649 readiness for those aircraft , the 42:32.649 --> 42:34.760 numbers that are ready to fly , takes 42:34.760 --> 42:36.982 that down to a low level . Give me your 42:36.982 --> 42:39.149 perspective on how we can best look at 42:39.149 --> 42:38.889 sustainment model , a different 42:38.889 --> 42:42.580 sustainment model for KC-46A . Yeah , 42:42.739 --> 42:44.961 uh , thank you , sir . It's good to see 42:44.961 --> 42:47.540 you again . Uh , the , the tanker 42:47.540 --> 42:49.860 capability and the tanker capacity is , 42:49.969 --> 42:52.191 is a vital aspect of what the Air Force 42:52.191 --> 42:54.413 brings to the joint fight , certainly . 42:54.413 --> 42:56.413 And you're absolutely right . As we 42:56.413 --> 42:58.302 take a look at the balance of the 42:58.302 --> 43:00.358 tanker fleet , uh , we have to be in 43:00.358 --> 43:02.580 that recapitalization mode consistently 43:02.580 --> 43:04.636 now and , and moving into that , and 43:04.636 --> 43:06.802 moving into the future without a gap , 43:06.802 --> 43:09.025 without a gap , and that's frankly what 43:09.025 --> 43:11.110 our plan includes . Uh , and so as 43:11.110 --> 43:12.999 we're taking a look at , as we're 43:12.999 --> 43:15.570 taking a look at bringing KC-46 online , 43:15.989 --> 43:19.110 uh , we've put a premium on positioning 43:19.110 --> 43:21.389 ourselves for sustainment , supporting 43:21.389 --> 43:24.810 aircraft availability , um , in a very 43:24.810 --> 43:26.949 aggressive way for that reason . If 43:26.949 --> 43:29.060 we're gonna bring it online and we're 43:29.060 --> 43:31.171 gonna bring it online in numbers , we 43:31.171 --> 43:33.449 wanna work with Boeing as well as , as , 43:33.449 --> 43:35.560 as well as , uh , the depot community 43:35.560 --> 43:37.449 to make sure we can . We have the 43:37.449 --> 43:39.671 information we need in order to support 43:39.671 --> 43:41.782 it at a high rate . In looking at the 43:41.782 --> 43:43.893 KC-135 , the numbers there are good . 43:44.310 --> 43:46.421 Uh , I think when we take a look at , 43:46.421 --> 43:48.032 when we take a look at added 43:48.032 --> 43:50.199 capabilities , we had a chance to talk 43:50.199 --> 43:52.532 earlier about the addition of , of , uh , 43:52.532 --> 43:54.699 Beyond line of sight communications to 43:54.699 --> 43:56.699 modernize the aircraft . Outside of 43:56.699 --> 43:59.050 that . Uh , we , we look at things like , 43:59.139 --> 44:01.250 hey , what are the next upcoming real 44:01.250 --> 44:04.620 painful DMS issues . Uh , you'll see us 44:04.620 --> 44:06.939 work on a new weather radar for the 44:06.939 --> 44:08.883 aircraft as being the next thing I 44:08.883 --> 44:11.106 think is going to start to be difficult 44:11.106 --> 44:13.328 to acquire in a timeline there , but we 44:13.328 --> 44:15.606 have , we have investments . Very good . 44:15.606 --> 44:17.883 Thank you Mr . Chairman . My apologies . 44:17.883 --> 44:17.469 I yield back . No , both the two 44:17.469 --> 44:19.580 chairmen used the addition of my time 44:19.580 --> 44:21.802 that I tried to yield back , but I'm OK 44:21.802 --> 44:23.913 with that . They're former chairmen . 44:23.913 --> 44:26.136 They get that prerogative . With that , 44:26.136 --> 44:25.669 I now recognize the gentleman from 44:25.669 --> 44:29.530 Louisiana , Mr . Higgins . Thank you , 44:29.550 --> 44:32.739 Mr . Chairman . Mr . Bailey , can I ask 44:32.739 --> 44:35.790 you about the B-52 modernization effort 44:35.790 --> 44:38.870 and give us your assessment there . Do , 44:39.020 --> 44:41.076 do you have numbers in , in front of 44:41.076 --> 44:43.187 you , sir ? I do . I'd like to see if 44:43.187 --> 44:45.510 yours match the , the number of 44:45.510 --> 44:48.949 aircraft that we're modernizing and 44:48.949 --> 44:51.889 what your cost per plane is projected 44:51.889 --> 44:54.419 to be and . Total cost of the 44:54.419 --> 44:58.000 modernization effort . Uh , I , I can 44:58.000 --> 45:00.439 provide you , um , the program total 45:00.439 --> 45:02.439 cost . I , I , I don't have that in 45:02.439 --> 45:04.606 front of me right now , but what I can 45:04.606 --> 45:06.959 share with you for sure is , uh , when 45:06.959 --> 45:09.439 I , when I got to this position last 45:09.439 --> 45:12.500 summer , I did look at the , the , uh , 45:12.679 --> 45:14.568 the health and execution of those 45:14.568 --> 45:17.439 modernization programs . The B-52 is a 45:17.439 --> 45:19.606 significant capability . It represents 45:19.606 --> 45:22.040 half of our modern , um , half of our 45:22.040 --> 45:23.959 tanker , uh , I'm sorry , bomber 45:23.959 --> 45:27.129 roadmap . Half of that roadmap . Uh , 45:27.239 --> 45:29.919 from there , uh , I met both with the 45:29.919 --> 45:32.080 program office , as well as Global 45:32.080 --> 45:34.360 Strike Command and finally with the 45:34.360 --> 45:36.560 companies and industry to get to the 45:36.560 --> 45:38.671 bottom of what's been going on on the 45:38.671 --> 45:40.782 program . I think you'll find that we 45:40.782 --> 45:43.110 have stabilized the cost and schedule . 45:43.199 --> 45:45.239 satisfied with , with where you are 45:45.239 --> 45:47.239 right now ? Yes , I am , sir . OK , 45:47.239 --> 45:49.350 because that's , that's my goal , you 45:49.350 --> 45:51.461 know , it's , it's a crucial aircraft 45:51.461 --> 45:54.060 and the modernization of it is . I 45:54.060 --> 45:56.580 could arguably the cornerstone of the 45:56.580 --> 45:59.889 entire deterrence effort so . Um , 46:00.399 --> 46:04.100 it's a lot of money . Some of us watch 46:04.199 --> 46:06.899 that money very carefully , but 46:08.239 --> 46:11.159 on the other hand , we recognize some 46:11.159 --> 46:13.560 programs or have , uh , in our minds a 46:13.560 --> 46:15.727 higher priority . To me , there's none 46:15.727 --> 46:18.159 higher than the modernization of that 46:18.159 --> 46:22.139 aircraft . So we would rather see , 46:22.330 --> 46:25.540 um , upfront request of money . 46:26.300 --> 46:29.459 And an excellent plan on how to 46:29.459 --> 46:32.870 complete the , the work . Um , 46:33.370 --> 46:35.770 to allow that , that fleet to serve 46:35.770 --> 46:39.459 into the 2050s , which is the idea . Um , 46:41.639 --> 46:44.770 would rather see the appropriate amount 46:44.770 --> 46:47.280 of monies authorized and appropriated 46:47.560 --> 46:51.320 than to see cost overrun . So we're 46:51.620 --> 46:54.780 as , as , as a heavy lift that we're 46:54.780 --> 46:58.520 asking you to perform there . But I'm 46:58.520 --> 47:00.631 glad to hear that you have confidence 47:00.631 --> 47:03.189 in the steps that have been taken . To 47:03.189 --> 47:06.370 stabilize that program . General , um , 47:07.560 --> 47:09.879 Uh , I'm gonna , I'm gonna ask you 47:09.879 --> 47:12.919 about the , without going too deep into 47:12.919 --> 47:14.919 it in this setting , but the drone 47:14.919 --> 47:17.199 incursion in Barksdale , while we're 47:17.199 --> 47:20.709 talking about Barksdale . Um , I'm 47:20.709 --> 47:22.820 quite certain that you've been highly 47:22.820 --> 47:25.510 briefed and , and reviewed what 47:25.510 --> 47:27.510 happened there , what didn't happen 47:27.510 --> 47:30.010 there . Is that correct ? That is 47:30.010 --> 47:32.689 correct . OK . Are , are you , are you 47:32.689 --> 47:34.889 satisfied with the response to the 47:34.889 --> 47:38.850 incursion and , uh , do 47:38.850 --> 47:42.540 you believe that we know everything we 47:42.540 --> 47:46.399 should know . So , uh , not to be 47:46.399 --> 47:48.566 mealy mouthed with you , I'm satisfied 47:48.566 --> 47:50.732 with the way they've responded , given 47:50.732 --> 47:52.955 the resources that they have . I do not 47:52.955 --> 47:55.199 think that the resources that they have 47:55.459 --> 47:58.060 are sufficient for the future threats 47:58.060 --> 48:00.379 that we anticipate . OK , agreed , and 48:00.379 --> 48:04.179 I , I , I don't believe , General , I 48:04.179 --> 48:06.401 don't believe you've ever said anything 48:06.401 --> 48:08.568 mealy mouth probably in your life , so 48:08.568 --> 48:10.623 you certainly weren't going to start 48:10.623 --> 48:13.760 today . Um , so here , here's the , the , 48:13.959 --> 48:17.239 here's the , the question that no one 48:17.239 --> 48:19.760 seems to be able to answer about that 48:19.760 --> 48:22.320 incursion , and we agree we have to do 48:22.320 --> 48:25.040 more to protect our , our airfields , 48:25.439 --> 48:29.300 especially . Incredibly important 48:29.300 --> 48:31.729 airfields . Um , 48:33.439 --> 48:37.129 We don't really know . We don't , we , 48:37.139 --> 48:39.028 we're not certain . I can't get a 48:39.028 --> 48:41.250 straight answer on , on exactly what we 48:41.250 --> 48:44.659 need . To invest in to protect the 48:44.659 --> 48:46.850 areas above our airfields . Can you 48:46.850 --> 48:50.580 speak to that at all ? Sir , what I'll 48:50.580 --> 48:52.747 tell you is that uh we're still in the 48:52.747 --> 48:54.802 process of developing that . We have 48:54.802 --> 48:56.747 our program of record , which I've 48:56.747 --> 48:58.858 stated I don't think was sufficient , 48:58.858 --> 49:00.969 certainly not in the case that we saw 49:00.969 --> 49:02.913 at Barksdale , and we're trying to 49:02.913 --> 49:05.080 develop other capabilities through GAA 49:05.080 --> 49:07.080 401 that gives us a little bit more 49:07.080 --> 49:09.800 efficacy in a stateside scenario . 49:11.439 --> 49:13.550 It would be nice to be able to have a 49:13.550 --> 49:15.495 kinetic capability , but there are 49:15.495 --> 49:18.600 obvious policy problems , but we're , 49:18.679 --> 49:20.846 we're kind of working through that and 49:20.846 --> 49:22.979 looking at other options that perhaps 49:22.979 --> 49:24.870 are less kinetic . 49:26.729 --> 49:28.896 OK . Perhaps we could visit more about 49:28.896 --> 49:31.062 that when , when we have a little more 49:31.062 --> 49:33.129 time regarding protecting the skies 49:33.129 --> 49:35.449 above Barksdale , Mr . Mr . Chairman , 49:35.489 --> 49:39.199 are you . I thank the gentlemen , uh , 49:39.399 --> 49:41.399 General Taylor , I hate we couldn't 49:41.399 --> 49:43.621 have your special guests here today . I 49:43.621 --> 49:45.732 understand they have a track meet and 49:45.732 --> 49:47.899 so we wish them the best . Uh , what , 49:47.899 --> 49:49.899 what events are they running ? Uh , 49:49.899 --> 49:52.177 today I think is a , uh , throwing day . 49:52.177 --> 49:54.343 So it's a , uh , it's a shot put and , 49:54.343 --> 49:57.659 uh , maybe the , uh , 100 100 m , uh , 49:57.889 --> 50:00.000 uh , sprint . All right . Well , my , 50:00.000 --> 50:03.030 my kid was a cross-country and 800 and 50:03.030 --> 50:05.879 1600 , 3200 guy , but , uh , what a 50:05.879 --> 50:07.990 great sport . So , we hate they can't 50:07.990 --> 50:10.212 be there . We give them a shout out and 50:10.212 --> 50:13.399 wish them their best today . All right . 50:13.479 --> 50:16.040 And Mr . Bailey , final answer now . 50:16.120 --> 50:19.280 This is Jeopardy . OK . Whose district 50:19.280 --> 50:22.860 is Elvis from and what town is he from ? 50:23.280 --> 50:25.224 If I recall correctly , sir , that 50:25.224 --> 50:27.391 would be your district and it would be 50:27.391 --> 50:29.669 Tupelo . Very good , Elvis . All right , 50:29.669 --> 50:30.379 with that , this hearing is adjourned .