Inside the Air Force highlights

Highlights from this week's Inside the Air Force:

The Air Force confirmed this week it did not ask for the $600 million funding boost Congress provided in the Fiscal Year 2018 Omnibus Appropriations Act to buy two additional Wideband Global Satellite Communications space vehicles, but it will comply with the language as directed.

Full story: Air Force confirms Wideband Global SATCOM plus-up not requested

2. Air Force Special Operations Command officials said this week the command still needs about $60 million to fully fund a program that would field an offensive laser on an AC-130J by fiscal year 2022, and flight tests of an operationally relevant laser are now expected in FY-21.

Full story: AFSOC lacks nearly $60M needed to put offensive laser on AC-130J by FY-22

3. Boeing will get a head start on engineering and manufacturing development work for the Air Force's next presidential aircraft fleet as the service looks to establish a cost baseline and award an EMD contract this summer.

Full story: Boeing receives funds for Air Force One 'hot start' ahead of EMD contract