The Air Force aims to keep its aging C-5 and C-17 airlifters flying years longer than planned as it awaits a next-gen replacement, officials said in recently released documents. That’s alarming some former mobility leaders.

A Nov. 19 solicitation memo says the C-5 Galaxy will fly until 2045 and the C-17 Globemaster until 2075, longer than previously planned , to ensure that the Air Force has enough airlift capacity while it waits for the Next-Generation Airlift aircraft.

NGAL is to reach production no earlier than 2038 and initial operating capacity three years after that. “To mitigate risks associated with acquisition delays, funding uncertainties, or technological challenges, the existing C-5M and C-17A fleets’ operational viability must be maintained until a fully capable replacem

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