Inside the Air Force highlights

The top stories from this week's edition of Inside the Air Force:

1. Senate Armed Services Committee Chairman John McCain (R-AZ) has vowed to oppose authorization of the Air Force's Long-Range Strike Bomber contract to Northrop Grumman because the Pentagon has committed to a cost-plus arrangement, giving the $80 billion program a powerful enemy on Capitol Hill.

Full story: McCain vows to oppose Air Force's new bomber

2. Several combatant commanders are pushing to get the much-talked-about "Arsenal Plane" concept "as soon as possible," according to the head of Air Force Global Strike Command.

Full story: Air Force: COCOMs need 'Arsenal Plane' capability as soon as possible

3. The chief of Air Force Global Strike Command reaffirmed the service's commitment to the Long-Range Standoff Weapon after announcing plans to begin production of the Air-Launched Cruise Missile replacement in 2026 and reach initial operational capability by 2030.

Full story: Air Force to start Long-Range Standoff Weapon production by 2026

4. Lockheed Martin's F-35 Joint Strike Fighter program manager said this week that a block buy among international partners is still possible in FY-17, but that shortened time frame is not the company's preference.

Full story: Lockheed: F-35 JPO needs to make FY-17 block buy decision in next six months