Inside the Air Force highlights

Here are some must-reads from this week's edition of Inside the Air Force:

1. The F-35 joint program office will kick off its Block 4 modernization program six to 12 months late because the program's requirements are not validated, according to an official.

Full story: F-35 modernization program delayed by six to 12 months

2. The Air Force's fiscal year 2017 budget for the next-generation Global Positioning System ground control system includes a "late add" of $234 million to account for its best guess at how a new, two-year development delay will impact the near-term costs and shows a $1.6 billion spike in the program's total cost.

Full story: FY-17 budget shows $234M increase for OCX, $1.6B jump in total cost

3. As the Air Force continues to explore options for financing a B-52 re-engining project, the office in charge of the effort is optimistic the service will identify a feasible way ahead.

Full story: Air Force OTI office optimistic about business case for B-52 re-engining

4. The Air Force could lay out its acquisition strategy for the UH-1N replacement this spring, a plan that has moved away from a modified service aircraft option toward a possible sole-source acquisition.

Full story: Air Force steps away from modified service aircraft for Huey replacement