June 15, 2026 Air Force, Army display rapid deployment joint capabilities during Exercise Turbo Distribution The 821st CRS collaborated with the U.S. Army to validate JTF-Port Opening capabilities during a weeklong exercise at Camp Shelby, Miss.
June 12, 2026 Air Force Test Pilot tapped as ‘ultimate wingman’ for Artemis III As NASA prepares to execute one of the most complex human missions into space since the Apollo era, an Air Force aviator has been selected to ensure its success.
June 11, 2026 325th SFS demonstrates kinetic C-sUAS capabilities to AFIMSC leadership With the introduction of a newly proposed live-fire curriculum utilizing M870 shotguns and SMASH 2000 optics, Airmen will be trained to neutralize low-altitude drone threats.
June 9, 2026 DAF senior leaders explain, justify sizable budget boost in Senate hearing DAF senior leaders presented a unified front to a Senate subcommittee justifying a historic budget request for fiscal 2027.
June 9, 2026 Air Commandos make history: 492nd, 919th SOW Airmen graduate Argentine mountain school Two U.S. Air Force Airmen from the 492nd and 919th Special Operations Wings became the first U.S. military personnel in 20 years to graduate from the Argentine mountain warfare course. The rigorous training in Patagonia fostered international interoperability and strengthened the strategic
June 4, 2026 99th FTS leaders become first AETC pilots qualified on T-7A Red Hawk In a historic milestone for future fifth- and sixth-generation fighter pilot production, two leaders from the 99th Flying Training Squadron have unlocked the unit's operational independence by becoming the first Air Education and Training Command pilots qualified on the T-7A Red Hawk.
June 4, 2026 Ahead of the threat: 163d Attack Wing spearheads counter-UAS strategies The 163d Attack Wing's Hap Arnold Innovation Center is proactively developing and fielding counter-small unmanned aircraft systems (sUAS) strategies to protect critical infrastructure and military assets.
June 4, 2026 732nd AMS leverages artificial intelligence to enhance Arctic TTX The tabletop exercise was designed as a logistics-focused training event, which identified potential limiting factors that could arise during real-world operational surges.
June 3, 2026 Enduring Partners 2026 enhances US-Thai collaborative readiness through specialized exchanges Military leaders from the U.S and Thailand officially launched the fourth annual Enduring Partners exchange, representing a comprehensive synchronization of the Washington Air National Guard and the Royal Thai Air Force.
June 3, 2026 Eielson AFB reactivates the 354th AMXS The reactivation of the 354th AMXS marked a new chapter in aircraft maintenance operations as the 355th, 365th and 18th FGS officially merged and deactivated during a ceremony at Eielson AFB, June 1.
June 3, 2026 CMSAF Wolfe emphasizes CSAF priorities, mentors future leaders during Scott AFB visit Wolfe engaged with senior Scott AFB leadership, held a discussion with leadership school instructors, and hosted an all-call focused on Air Force priorities and enlisted leadership during the visit.
June 1, 2026 AFGSC, JIATF-401 conduct multi-command C-sUAS qualification at Camp Guernsey Airmen from the 90th Missile Wing and several other components participated in a counter-small unmanned aircraft systems (C-sUAS) firing qualification, providing defenders with hands-on experience using emerging technologies.
May 29, 2026 Vice president, SecAF congratulate class of 2026 Vice President JD Vance and SecAF Troy Meink addressed more than 900 graduating cadets during the U.S. Air Force Academy’s Class of 2026 commencement ceremony. The event recognized the new officers' readiness to lead and adapt in a rapidly changing global security environment.
May 27, 2026 Four Airmen honored with Lance P. Sijan Leadership Award The Air Force recognized four Airmen for their exceptional leadership qualities during the 2026 Lance P. Sijan Award ceremony at the Pentagon, presented by Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Ken Wilsbach.
May 21, 2026 DAF leaders outline readiness, modernization priorities in FY27 budget testimony Department of the Air Force and Department of War leaders testified before the House Armed Services Committee on the fiscal year 2027 budget request.
May 15, 2026 DAF updates religious accommodation process, eliminates Religious Resolution Teams The DAF has updated DAFI 52-201, modifying the religious accommodation process for Airmen and Guardians.
May 15, 2026 Reserve leaders prepare future military officers, strengthen community ties AFRC leadership toured Connecticut to engage with current and future Airmen, emphasizing the importance of education, perseverance and community service while highlighting the Air Force Reserve's workforce development initiatives and industry partnerships.
May 15, 2026 Tyndall Airman crafts mission success through innovative problem-solving Confronted with an empty storage closet and thousands of scattered tools in the wake of Hurricane Michael, Senior Airman Andrew Collier reestablished Tyndall Air Force Base's aircraft metals technology shop from scratch..
May 14, 2026 African Air Chiefs Symposium in Tunis targets operational integration, cooperative security The forum focused on transitioning strategic discussions into operational initiatives under the theme "Operationalizing AAAF: An Era of Shared Responsibility.
May 13, 2026 B-1 Bomber departs Wichita months ahead of schedule following historic 'BackBONE' surgery A B-1B Lancer that arrived at McConnell AFB last September for a massive structural repair headed back to the fleet significantly ahead of schedule, proving that digital engineering can revolutionize legacy aircraft sustainment.
May 12, 2026 Air Force, Boeing accelerate KC-46 upgrades to target readiness The plan pursues three primary lines of effort: repurposing early-built aircraft for immediate operational impact, accelerating the Remote Vision System 2.0 retrofit schedule and implementing a targeted performance-based logistics effort to resolve systemic readiness challenges.
May 12, 2026 NMED, DAF verbally agree to collaboration that advances PFAS cleanup at Cannon AFB The New Mexico Environment Department and the Department of the Air Force announced a verbal agreement to establish a collaborative groundwater-sampling framework to support ongoing PFAS investigation and clean-up activities at Cannon Air Force Base in Curry County.
May 7, 2026 Tinker brings the B-1 back to the fight A U.S. Air Force B-1B Lancer once parked in the Arizona desert is back in the air after an intensive regeneration and depot maintenance effort led by the Oklahoma City Air Logistics Complex at Tinker Air Force Base.
May 6, 2026 ANG leaders convene to align on wartime readiness, ‘bring the future faster’ During the annual Wing Leader Fly-In, Air National Guard senior leadership outlined a strategic vision to "bring the future faster" by focusing on wartime readiness, modernizing equipment portfolios, and enhancing recruiting and retention efforts across the force.
May 5, 2026 137th SOW hosts tactical communicators in AFSOC course The multi-week course brings together XCOMM special operators across active duty, guard and reserve wings to develop the skills and knowledge needed to set-up and operate communication systems in any environment
May 1, 2026 VC-25B Bridge program completes flight testing, prepares for summer rollout This program represents a fundamental shift in how the Air Force delivers critical capabilities.
April 28, 2026 DAF launches plan to bolster AI workforce The DAF recently approved a new strategy to build and maintain a highly skilled AI workforce to secure a technological and competitive advantage.
April 28, 2026 Chief Master Sgt. Nuñez visits Reserve Airmen supporting exercise Balikatan The focus of Nuñez’s visit to the Philippines was to meet with the Reservists instructing leadership courses at the Philippine Air Force Leader Development Center.
April 22, 2026 Space Force selects first Air Force Reservists to transfer into part-time work roles The Space Force announced that 247 Air Force Reservists in space-related career fields were selected for transfer into the service in part-time work roles. The announcement marks an important milestone in the implementation of the Space Force Personnel Management Act.
April 22, 2026 Readiness starts with clarity, leadership and taking care of Airmen Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force David R. Wolfe met with Airmen, Guardians, civilians and families during an Air University-hosted all call at Maxwell Air Force Base.
April 22, 2026 Balikatan 2026: 317th AW conducts MEO, arrives in Philippines In this year’s iteration of the longstanding annual exercise, the 317th Airlift Wing provided critical tactical airlift capabilities in support of thousands of personnel from multiple partner nations.
April 21, 2026 DAF senior leaders meet with Vance Airmen The senior leaders emphasized the importance in every career field for readiness, modernization and innovation so the Air Force can continue flying and fixing in order to deter any adversary.
April 21, 2026 Budget request directs record $338.8 billion to Air Force and Space Force to meet 'challenges of today and tomorrow' The Department of the Air Force unveiled a $338.8 billion budget proposal, a significant boost in funding designed to sharpen readiness, continue modernizing the fleet and underwrite deterrence while ensuring that any threat to national security can be met and, if necessary, defeated.
April 16, 2026 Air Force, Space Force meet recruiting goals 5 months ahead of schedule The Air Force and Space Force achieved annual recruiting goals five months ahead of schedule, enlisting 32,000 new active-duty Airmen and Guardians needed for the fiscal year.
April 16, 2026 Experimental Operations Unit accelerates Collaborative Combat Aircraft program The Air Force’s Experimental Operations Unit, under Air Combat Command, concluded a critical exercise with Collaborative Combat Aircraft recently at Edwards Air Force Base, putting principles of the new Warfighting Acquisition System into practice.
April 15, 2026 CMSAF David Wolfe visits MEPS Fort Sam Houston Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force David Wolfe visited MEPS at Joint Base San Antonio-Fort Sam Houston..
April 14, 2026 USAF GE 26 showcases new AI-enabled WarMatrix wargaming capability The wargames delivered a rigorous, fast-paced environment designed to test concepts, capabilities and force design considerations critical to future conflict scenarios.
April 10, 2026 DAF takes steps for potential Alaskan AI data centers The Department of the Air Force is moving forward with actions to potentially build and operate one or more advanced artificial intelligence data centers at three DAF installations in Alaska.
April 2, 2026 DAF updates SkillBridge policy balancing operational readiness, transition assistance The Department of the Air Force updated its Air Force and Space Force SkillBridge programs to balance operational readiness and transition assistance to Airmen and Guardians.
March 27, 2026 Sentinel Program advances with silo prototype The silo prototype will validate a modular, repeatable construction approach designed to accelerate fielding, reduce cost growth and enable learning before full-rate production.
March 19, 2026 Distributed operations enable Seventh Air Force to sustain airpower during Freedom Shield 26 During exercise Freedom Shield 26, the Seventh Air Force tested its ability to command and control airpower in the event its primary Air Operations Center is no longer available, forcing personnel and capabilities to operate from multiple dispersed locations.Known as distributed operations, this
March 13, 2026 DAF announces updates to Military Leave Program The DAF released an update to DAFI 36-3003, Military Leave Program, which incorporates changes mandated by the Department of War and streamlines leave policies to ensure Airmen and Guardians are fully aware of their entitlements.
March 11, 2026 Year of the mentor: Going beyond training To improve rider safety and skills, the DoW is implementing the Motorcycle Safety Foundation’s Rider Mentor Program, which pairs service members with experienced motorcyclists as an alternative path for completing advanced training.
March 11, 2026 TEC hosts inaugural master fitness leader course The I.G. Brown Training and Education Center hosted the U. S. Air Force’s inaugural Master Fitness Leader course Feb. 17–27, bringing together Total Force Airmen and civilians for the first offering of the new training program.
March 10, 2026 CMSAF Wolfe visits Joint Base Andrews Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force David Wolfe, and his wife, Dr. Doniel Wolfe, visited Team Andrews to hold an all-call and emphasize the Air Force's three priorities: readiness, modernization, and Airmen and their families.
March 9, 2026 Air Force, MASS-TF sign MOU to evaluate strategic real estate opportunities The agreement establishes a framework for collaboration to pursue a strategic real estate and mission support partnership.
Feb. 27, 2026 Air Force modernizes Physical Fitness Program to bolster readiness, long-term health The modernized program is anchored in scientifically grounded health measures and a more rigorous assessment model. The goal is to enhance warfighter readiness by encouraging Airmen to build durable fitness habits that support sustained, career-long performance.
Feb. 27, 2026 CMSAF delivers ‘Gold Medal Airmen’ keynote during AFA 2026 CMSAF Wolfe urged Airmen to multiply their skills and dedication with a winning attitude during a keynote speech at the Air and Space Forces Association's 2026 Warfare Symposium.
Feb. 26, 2026 Air Force leaders discuss priorities for the Air Force’s Future Force Design Senior Air Force leaders and industry experts discussed the priorities for Air Force’s Future Force Design during a panel at the Air and Space Forces Association’s 2026 Warfare Symposium in Aurora.
Feb. 26, 2026 Acquisition leaders detail Warfighting Acquisition Strategy at AFA symposium Top acquisition leaders for the DAF detailed how the acquisition process is being reshaped to meet the demands of modern warfare, during a panel at the Air and Space Forces Association’s 2026 Warfare Symposium.
Feb. 25, 2026 DAF leaders emphasize warfighting readiness at AFA Warfare Symposium Senior DAF leaders emphasized that warfighting readiness, modernization and investment in Airmen and Guardians remain central to maintaining deterrence and preparing for future conflict during a panel discussion at the 2026 Warfare Symposium.
Feb. 24, 2026 Wilsbach outlines strategy for confronting adversaries, Air Force success In his first major address since becoming Air Force Chief of Staff, Gen. Ken Wilsbach highlighted readiness and how the service is responding to a complex and ambiguous strategic environment.
Feb. 24, 2026 SECAF opens 2026 AFA Warfare Symposium with ‘Innovating Faster: Acquisition Transformation’ During his keynote at the 2026 Air and Space Forces Association Warfare Symposium, Secretary of the Air Force Troy Meink laid out his vision for the Department of the Air Force’s acquisition transformation effort.
Feb. 23, 2026 New Tinker AFB electrical peaking plant enables energy resilience Tinker Air Force Base and Oklahoma Gas & Electric celebrated the opening of an electrical peaking plant.
Feb. 23, 2026 Air Force issues new guidance to streamline Line of Duty decisions for Reservists, Guardsmen on extended active-duty orders The Department of the Air Force released updated guidance intended to accelerate Line of Duty determinations for Air Force Reserve and Air National Guard members serving on extended active‑duty orders.
Feb. 20, 2026 Fort Gordon to gain ANG cyber operations squadrons The Department of the Air Force has selected Fort Gordon, Georgia, as the preferred location for two Air National Guard cyber operations squadrons.
Feb. 18, 2026 C3BM launches software developer student pipeline The DAF C3BM launched its first iteration of a training pipeline meant to prepare Airmen for the rigors of developing software capabilities in support of the DAF BATTLE NETWORK.
Feb. 17, 2026 Delivering deterrence: Sentinel restructure to complete in 2026; initial capability timeline set The U.S. Air Force rolled out its plan for the LGM-35A Sentinel program, which will deliver the nation’s next-generation, modernized, land-based nuclear deterrent to America’s warfighters.
Feb. 13, 2026 Robins AFB laser-focused on aircrew eye protection The Air Force Life Cycle Management Center Human Systems Division is pioneering the next generation of protective technology for aircrews.
Feb. 12, 2026 Air Force validates open architecture, expands Collaborative Combat Aircraft ecosystem The CCA program validates a modular, open-systems approach, allowing the Air Force to rapidly integrate the best technology from any vendor to equip the warfighter faster.
Feb. 9, 2026 Reserve leaders emphasize standards, strategic ‘Reserve Advantage’ to NATO allies Senior reserve leaders from across the NATO alliance gathered last week to discuss the growing importance of reserve forces in addressing global security challenges during the NATO Air Reserve Symposium.
Feb. 9, 2026 Training for the mission, the Olympic medal Staff Sgt. Kelly Curtis returns to represent Team USA on the world’s biggest stage for the second time at the XXV Olympic Winter Games.
Feb. 6, 2026 National Defense Areas expanded, established along Texas border The Secretary of War directed the expansion of the South Texas NDA to ensure the western endpoint reaches Roma, Texas, as originally intended. This action extends NDA 3 to include approximately 250 miles west of the Gulf of America.
Feb. 6, 2026 Air National Guard base takes stage ahead of Super Bowl LX Moffett Air National Guard Base is serving as the hub for a joint U.S. Air Force and U.S. Navy flyover scheduled to thunder overhead during the national anthem Feb. 8, kicking off the Super Bowl LX matchup between the Seattle Seahawks and the New England Patriots.
Feb. 3, 2026 USAFA graduate named Cadet of the Year Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Ken Wilsbach presented 2nd Lt. Renata Russell, a U.S. Air Force Academy graduate, with the Cadet of the Year award.
Jan. 30, 2026 CSAF, CMSAF join Air University’s PCTT panel The panel shared key leadership insights on readiness, modernization, fostering warrior culture and quality of life initiatives, while reinforcing current DAF and DoW priorities with future command teams.
Jan. 30, 2026 Air Force advances standoff cruise missile program with live-fire test The Air Force tested a standoff cruise missile, known as ERAM, less than 16 months from the program's initial contract award proving the service can deliver new tools to the warfighter at the speed of relevance.
Jan. 29, 2026 General officers forge flying proficiency at Nellis AFB In a powerful demonstration of leading from the front at every echelon, USAF generals have taken to the skies here to reaffirm that command at every level is backed by the same core competencies by every Airmen.
Jan. 27, 2026 AFMS Senior Leadership Workshop aligns purposeful execution with unmatched readiness The workshop united AFMS senior leaders on a shared vision of a more integrated and operationally focused medical force.
Jan. 27, 2026 Yokota supports first JGSDF-hosted multinational airborne exercise The exercise marked the first Japan Ground Self-Defense Force-hosted multinational airborne operation conducted on Japanese soil and brought together airborne forces from the United States and Japan to enhance interoperability and airborne insertion capabilities.
Jan. 23, 2026 USAF to introduce Air Expeditionary Wing 2.0 AEW 2.0 is an improved version of the legacy deployment construct and will be implemented in FY27.
Jan. 22, 2026 ACC’s William Tell Air-to-Air Weapons Meet returns in 2026 ACC’s William Tell Air-to-Air Weapons Meet, a competition that brings together the best fighter and operations teams from across the Total Force—Active Duty, Air Force Reserve, and Air National Guard—is scheduled to take place March 6–15, at the Air Dominance Center in Georgia.
Jan. 21, 2026 WCAP Airmen qualify for Winter Olympics Two Airmen from the World Class Athlete Program will represent Team USA and the Air Force at the Milan Cortina Winter Olympic Games in February.
Jan. 15, 2026 Air Force Safety Center announces Unit Risk Forecasting tool The tool utilizes over a decade of historical safety data, unit personnel data, predictive capabilities, and mitigation strategies developed by safety professionals to give commanders and decision makers a visual toolkit to minimize risk at the unit level.
Jan. 14, 2026 DAF launches National Mentoring Month event series NMM showcases mentoring as an enterprise-wide imperative, empowering all Airmen and Guardians through a series of panels, events and interactive discussions to help them reach their fullest potential.
Jan. 14, 2026 U.S., Regional Partners Establish New Air Defense Operations Cell in Qatar U.S. Central Command and regional partners opened a new coordination cell at Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar to enhance integrated air and missile defense.
Jan. 14, 2026 MH-139 Grey Wolf helicopters complete first operational ICBM convoy security mission Two MH-139A Grey Wolf helicopters assigned to the 40th Helicopter Squadron conducted their first operational Minuteman III ICBM convoy, marking an important milestone in the modernization of AFGSC’s nuclear security operations.
Jan. 14, 2026 Illinois Guard, Portugal Formalize New State Partnership Agreement The Illinois National Guard and the Ministry of National Defense of the Portuguese Republic held a ceremony Jan. 12 to officially establish a new State Partnership Program agreement between the two armed forces.
Jan. 13, 2026 Pennsylvania Guard, Côte d’Ivoire to Partner Through State Partnership Program Pennsylvania National Guard and Côte d’Ivoire military officials announced Jan. 13 that the Pennsylvania National Guard has been selected to partner with Côte d’Ivoire through the Department of War National Guard Bureau State Partnership Program.
Jan. 12, 2026 11th ATKS officially becomes part of 25th ATKW The change from launch and recovery to conventional MQ-9 operations expands the squadron’s role in combat operations, enabling pilots, sensor operators and intelligence professionals to conduct missions from start to finish.
Jan. 12, 2026 AETC holds T-7A Red Hawk official arrival ceremony, marking new era in pilot training AETC hosted an arrival ceremony Jan. 9, for the T-7A Red Hawk, the U.S. Air Force’s next-generation trainer aircraft, marking a significant milestone in the service’s effort to modernize pilot training.
Jan. 9, 2026 Air Force announces updates to dress and appearance regulation The Air Force releases guidance on its dress and personal appearance policy Jan. 9 providing updated standards for Airmen.
Jan. 8, 2026 DAF puts acquisition on wartime footing, implementing SECWAR's 'Warfighting Acquisition System' The Department of the Air Force is aggressively implementing a new Warfighting Acquisition System.
Jan. 6, 2026 Air Force updates fitness test requirements Changes from the September 2025 announcement include a shortened physical fitness diagnostic testing period to end in June and the option for either the 2-mile run or the 20-meter High Aerobic Multi-shuttle Run every six months.
Jan. 5, 2026 U.S. Forces deliver critical aid to Sri Lanka following Cyclone Ditwah U.S. military forces delivered critical disaster relief to Sri Lanka following the impact of Cyclone Ditwah, which made landfall on November 28.
Jan. 5, 2026 Human-machine teaming in battle management: A collaborative effort across borders The 2025 series of the DASH-Machine Teaming marked a significant step forward in the integration of artificial intelligence and machine learning by testing and refining AI’s potential to enhance battle management operations.
Dec. 22, 2025 Air Force designates Northrop Grumman’s Talon prototype as YFQ-48A The U.S. Air Force announces the designation of YFQ-48A as the Mission Design Series for Northrop Grumman’s Project Talon, a semi-autonomous prototype aircraft, underscoring the Air Force’s commitment to rapidly delivering next-generation capabilities.
Dec. 19, 2025 Hegseth, senior leaders honor military's top recruiters Secretary of War Pete Hegseth and other senior War Department officials honored the military's top recruiters during the inaugural Recruitment Excellence Forum at the Pentagon.
Dec. 18, 2025 OCD25 wraps up: delivering holiday cheer, supplies to Pacific islands Operation Christmas Drop 2025 marks the 74th iteration, bringing together service members from the U.S., Canada, Japan, and South Korea for the Department of War’s longest-running humanitarian airlift mission.
Dec. 17, 2025 Pathfinders drive TOC-L innovation Pathfinder units are playing a crucial role in the Air Force’s modernization of command and control, with the 752nd Operations Support Squadron at Tinker Air Force Base guiding the effort for the Tactical Operations Center-Light.
Dec. 17, 2025 Capstone 2025: Advancing AI for C2, dynamic targeting, coalition integration The Shadow Operations Center-Nellis concluded its 2025 Experimentation Series with Capstone 2025, a pivotal event designed to enhance joint and coalition interoperability and accelerate progress in command-and-control modernization.
Dec. 16, 2025 DAF updates medical shaving profile guidance to align with Secretary of War grooming policy The Department of the Air Force updated its medical guidance for shaving profiles to align with the Secretary of War’s grooming standards.
Dec. 10, 2025 B-52 Stratofortress completes ferry flight after radar modification A B-52 Stratofortress, equipped with a modernized radar system, completed a significant milestone as part of the B-52 Radar Modernization Program, ensuring the bomber remains a vital component of U.S. airpower.
Dec. 10, 2025 Jackson Barracks to gain ANG cyber operations squadron Jackson Barracks has been selected as the preferred location for an Air National Guard cyber operations squadron
Dec. 9, 2025 Wolfe assumes role as 21st CMSAF Chief Master Sgt. David R. Wolfe became the 21st Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force during an Assumption of Responsibility ceremony Dec. 8.
Dec. 5, 2025 T-7A Red Hawk lands at JBSA-Randolph The U.S. Air Force’s first T-7A Red Hawk assigned to AETC arrived at the 12th Flying Training Wing, marking a major milestone in the modernization of pilot training.
Dec. 4, 2025 100th KC-46A Pegasus delivered to Travis AFB AMC welcomed the 99th and100th KC-46A Pegasus aircraft delivered to the U.S. Air Force, during an arrival ceremony at Travis AFB.
Dec. 3, 2025 USecAF visits Columbus AFB Under Secretary of the Air Force Matthew Lohmeier visited Columbus Air Force Base to engage with Airmen, gain insight into modernization initiatives, and reinforce the importance of readiness across the force.
Dec. 2, 2025 Air Force announces changes to officer developmental education The Air Force announced updates, Dec. 2, to in-residence intermediate and senior developmental education for active-duty members.
Dec. 2, 2025 Hurricane Hunters wrap up 2025 season after flying into three Category 5 storms The squadron flew 927.9 hours this year across the Atlantic, eastern Pacific and central Pacific basins, collecting critical data that improved forecasts, saved lives and once again, demonstrated the unit's no-fail mission.