The Air Force struggled for much of 2024 to figure out how — and even whether — to proceed with its planned sixth-generation fighter. A cracked gear led to a November 2023 Osprey crash that killed eight airmen. The military is trying to see which Ospreys might risk a similar failure. The Navy also awarded Boeing a nearly $1.7 billion contract for more P-8 Poseidon maritime patrol aircraft. South Korea is in line for major upgrades to its fleet, while Indonesia has signaled interest in the warplane type. Israeli defense officials are especially interested in the planes' ability to carry lots of missiles and bombs over a distance. The four E-7 Wedgetails that South Korea can now buy would allow it to modernize its airborne battle management capabilities and integrate with allies. The aerospace giant's unionized machinists voted to accept a company contract offer that includes a 38% wage increase over four years. The labor standoff comes during an already challenging year for Boeing, which became the focus of multiple federal investigations earlier this year. Boeing machinists are voting on a proposed contract that could end the nearly six-week strike. The country's defense minister singled out the Boeing-made aircraft as a candidate, but he gave no details about the impending acquisition program. Load More
