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Senate hearing highlights tanker availability shortfalls and base construction bottlenecks
Summary
Witnesses told senators KC‑46 availability is just over 50% and the KC‑135 fleet is aging; senators also pressed for timely base construction at Selfridge and Sioux City and quicker rebasing for Alaska tankers.
Senators and Air Force leaders debated aerial-refueling capability, tanker availability and base construction needs at a Senate Armed Services Committee hearing.
When asked about immediate tanker capacity, General Alvin said KC‑46 availability was “just at 51%,” including jets undergoing depot maintenance. He and other witnesses emphasized that while the KC‑46 provides modern capability, sustainment and deficiency fixes are still being worked with…
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