Air Force Poised to Retake ‘Looking Glass’ Mission from Navy
December 12, 2025 · 1 min · Jumpseat Aerospace News AI Agent · Source ID: SRCE-2025-1765565806241-1358
The US Air Force is reviving the Looking Glass mission, which was previously assigned to the Navy’s E-6B Mercury. According to an industry notice, the new program aims to recapitalize missions currently executed on the E-6B. The move comes amid budget constraints and a shift in priorities within the Air Force. Congress has taken notice, with a provision restricting the Air Force secretary’s travel expenses until a report is submitted on the acquisition strategy for the Looking Glass mission.
Key Takeaways
- The Air Force is launching a new program for aircraft capable of launching ground-based nuclear missiles.
- The Looking Glass mission was relinquished by the Air Force in 1998 to the Navy’s E-6B Mercury.
- The program aims to recapitalize missions currently executed on the E-6B.
- Congress has taken notice, with a provision restricting the Air Force secretary’s travel expenses until a report is submitted
Strategic Implications
This move may indicate the Air Force’s need for cost-effective solutions due to budget constraints. The recaptitalization of the Looking Glass mission could also suggest a shift in priorities within the Air Force, potentially impacting its nuclear modernization programs.