That's not a tumor on the back of the AWACS plane; it's a piece of equipment vital to U.S. defense. Here's what's happening to the AWACS as they're phased out.

The US Air Force is hoping that its KC-46 fleet will be able to handle China, but logistical problems are complicating this plan.

ABOARD A FRENCH AIR FORCE AWACS — Off in the distance, Ukraine, fighting for its survival. Seen from up here, in the cockpit of a French air force surveillance plane flying over neighboring ...