The INSIDER daily digest -- Jan. 3, 2017

The KC-46 airborne refueling tanker, defense business news and more highlight this first INSIDER Daily Digest of 2017:

Coverage of the Air Force's KC-46 airborne refueling tanker:

Air Force to hold public meetings this month as it considers next KC-46 main operating base

The Air Force is evaluating its options for basing two to three squadrons of 24 to 36 new KC-46 tankers and will hold a series of public meetings this month at each of the locations under consideration.

Some defense business news:

After 'game changer' deal, LGS Innovations focuses on technology

More than two years after being purchased by a private-equity firm, LGS Innovations has significantly ramped up its research and development work, the company's chief executive said last month.

Stories that were posted during the holiday break:

Army continues Stryker upgrades with hopes of accelerated schedule

The Army is continuing with upgrades to the Stryker with hopes of moving at a quicker pace, according to the service's director of mounted requirements.

Air Force releases $16.3B RFP to develop next-gen trainer

The Air Force has released a request for proposals for its next-generation trainer -- a $16.3 billion development effort with options to build up to 350 aircraft capable of training a fifth-generation fighter fleet.

Navy, USMC spent 52.7 percent more on Growler, Hornet mishaps in 2016

In 2016, the Navy and Marine Corps spent 52.7 percent more than the previous year on F/A-18 Hornet and E/A-18G Growler Class A mishaps, according to Naval Safety Center documents.

Navy analyzing new missions for autonomous boats after successful demo

The Office of Naval Research is examining expanded missions for its swarming-boat technology after demonstrating the ability to perform autonomous harbor defense this past fall.

Analysts predict rise in MDA budget with next administration

As President-elect Donald Trump prepares to take office, some defense experts project increases in missile defense funds to revive abandoned programs or ramp up current efforts.

Army, DOD tackling analysis of alternatives for new rotorcraft platform

The Defense Department and the Army are in the midst of an analysis of alternatives for the first Future Vertical Lift aircraft, part of a high-profile effort to overhaul the military's rotorcraft fleet.

Air Force releases $6.9B JSTARS recap development RFP

The Air Force this week floated its $6.9 billion request for proposals for the E-8C Joint Surveillance and Target Attack Radar System recapitalization effort's engineering and manufacturing development phase, calling for an open competition to win a hybrid cost-plus and fixed-price contract after months of debating the preferred acquisition strategy with Congress.

F-16 SLEP scope grows to 343 jets with foreign military sales customers

The Air Force plans to upgrade 343 F-16s through a service-life extension program and is looking for a contractor to integrate the kits beginning in fiscal year 2019.

UAVs wanted to protect forces at Afghanistan airfields

Air Force Air Combat Command is calling on contractors to protect its airfields in Afghanistan using unmanned aerial surveillance, according to a sources-sought notice posted on the Federal Business Opportunities website this week.

Congress seeks operational testing for Joint Regional Security Stacks

Congress is seeking to prohibit the Defense Department from declaring full operational capability for a key element of the Pentagon's Joint Information Environment until an operational test has been completed, according to the conference report on the fiscal year 2017 defense authorization bill.

Vershbow: NATO needs to invest in offensive cyber capability

NATO needs to invest in an offensive cyber capability, according to former Deputy Secretary General of NATO Alexander Vershbow.