OSD & Air Force to rethink U-2 retirement plan

USAF Aim Points

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"If [the review] proves, that we, in fact, perhaps have acted too quickly in this beginning of the U-2 drawdown, we may, in fact, be back in front of you to request an adjustment," Long told the panel. She did not specify for how much longer the U-2s might fly or how much money would be necessary to sustain them for that period.

As part of the retirement plan, the Air Force's budget proposal removes about $1 billion from U-2 accounts through FY '11 compared to the multiyear funding profile that it presented for the aircraft last year, said Air Force Maj. Gen. Stanley Gorenc, director of operational capability requirements on the Air Staff. He testified at the same hearing. This reduction would include $106 million in FY '07, he said.

The Air Force has always maintained that it would adjust the schedule of the U-2's retirement as necessary to prevent any degradation of capability. "U-2 ramp-down provides for delay if Global Hawk encounters any unexpected difficulties," reads a fact sheet on the FY '07 budget proposal that the service issued in early February. There will be "no compromise in support to combatant commands," it noted of the drawdown.


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