Air Force to finish NGAL assessment this summer as it weighs C‑17/C‑5 recapitalization options

Lieutenant General Dave Taber and Acting Assistant Secretary Darlene Castello told the House subcommittee the Air Force is conducting a capabilities‑based assessment for next‑generation airlift (NGAL) and expects the assessment to complete later this summer.

“That is set to complete later this summer and will help determine the most appropriate solutions to fulfill future airlift requirements,” Castello said when describing steps toward recapitalizing the C‑5 and C‑17 fleets.

Taber described the C‑17 and C‑5 as workhorse airlifters that are aging “rapidly” and said the NGAL assessment will guide the service on “most appropriate solutions” to meet future needs. He said the Air Force will use the assessment results to shape the acquisition approach but did not announce a schedule for a formal program start.

Committee members raised concerns about contracting problems and sustainment challenges at depots and bases that affect airlift readiness. Taber and Castello said the assessment will inform decisions about capability, timelines and investments; they emphasized the need to begin planning now but did not identify a specific replacement aircraft or procurement timeline.

The NGAL assessment is the first formal step toward shaping a replacement strategy for the Air Force’s strategic airlift fleet; the subcommittee requested updates once the assessment is completed and as acquisition options are developed.