Now Reading: Pentagon revokes ex-Air Force chief’s clearance over Air Force One leak
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Pentagon revokes ex-Air Force chief’s clearance over Air Force One leak
Pentagon revokes ex-Air Force chief’s clearance over Air Force One leak
The Pentagon has revoked former US Air Force Secretary Frank Kendall's security clearance, accusing him of leaking classified details about the new Air Force One aircraft to the media. Pentagon spokesman Sean…
The Story in Brief
The Pentagon has revoked former US Air Force Secretary Frank Kendall's security clearance, accusing him of leaking classified details about the new Air Force One aircraft to the media. Pentagon spokesman Sean Parnell confirmed the decision on Friday, saying Kendall is also barred from positions requiring access to classified information. The Pentagon has not identified what Kendall allegedly disclosed or which media outlet received it.
Kendall, who served under Joe Biden, was quoted by The New York Times discussing a Boeing 747 donated by Qatar and modified for presidential use. He said the conversion timeline was too short for "all the normal Air Force One modifications" and expressed surprise the aircraft was used outside the US. Kendall told the Associated Press he was "completely mystified" and denied knowingly revealing secrets. The Air Force has defended the $400 million retrofit, though it admitted the Qatari jet lacks some modifications planned for future US-built Air Force One planes.
The Indian Opinion
The Pentagon's move against Kendall is being spun as either a decisive crackdown on leaks or a political hit job. Neither fits neatly. The Pentagon has not said what was leaked, to whom, or whether any real damage occurred, so the punishment looks disproportionate. But Kendall's own surprise at the Qatari jet's overseas use suggests real sensitivity around its capabilities. Watch for one thing: whether the Pentagon refers the case to federal prosecutors. If it does, the leak claim is serious. If it quietly drops the matter, the clearance revocation will look like a warning shot aimed at other officials who talk to the press.
Source: hindustantimes.com
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