June 19, 2026 VC-25B Bridge aircraft arrives at Joint Base Andrews, begins commissioning flights The Air Force has delivered the modified VC-25B "Bridge" aircraft to the Presidential Airlift Group, where it is beginning commissioning flights to validate its safety, security, and communications systems before entering active presidential service.
June 17, 2026 Air Force advances future of air superiority with CCA contracts The DAF awarded contracts to develop and produce its first-generation Collaborative Combat Aircraft, while creating a competitive marketplace for mission-autonomy software from six vendors.
June 17, 2026 B-52 accident update: Edwards releases names of fallen crew members Edwards Air Force Base released the names of the eight people killed when a B-52 Stratofortress crashed shortly after takeoff from Edwards during a routine test mission.
June 17, 2026 DAF updates uniform guidance for Chaplain Corps, Air Force maternity uniforms The DAF has issued new implementation guidance for the Chaplain Corps uniform and the Air Force maternity wrap dress.
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 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 5, 2026 Moody AFB Airmen sharpen personnel recovery skills Moody AFB Airmen recently integrated military working dogs into their SERE training. The realistic scenarios pushed aircrews to apply core survival skills under pressure while evading active pursuit, better preparing them for modern personnel recovery operations.
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 Wrenches to wings: The artisan hands behind every test flight Maintenance crews and test pilots at Tinker AFB work together to guarantee aircraft are safe and combat-ready following extensive depot maintenance.
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 Air Force forges decision advantage through logistics C2 hackathon The 505th Command and Control Wing recently hosted a Logistics C2 Hackathon, focusing on solutions to accelerate decision timelines from tactical requirement generation to strategic execution.
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 28, 2026 Applications open through July 31 for Acquisition Instructor Course The Department of the Air Force is accepting applications for Class 27A of the Acquisition Instructor Course until July 31. The 5.5-month program is designed to develop the next generation of tactical acquisition leaders and integrators.
May 28, 2026 DAF announces top safety award winners for 2025 These top advocates have been lauded for weaving disciplined operations and meticulous risk management into every stage of their missions, from planning and preparation to execution and final assessment.
May 28, 2026 AFMC effort aims to modernize theater setting, shifting legacy logistics to integrated capabilities AFMC is leading efforts to transform how the service pre-positions logistics across the globe by shifting from fragmented, dormant equipment stockpiles to dynamic, ready-to-fight capability packages, transforming theater logistics into an active strategic deterrent.
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 22, 2026 Readout of US Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Ken Wilsbach’s counterpart visit with Argentine Air Force Chief of Staff Brig. Gen. Gustavo Valverde USAF Gen. Wilsbach hosted Argentine Air Chief Brig. Gen. Valverde to strengthen defense cooperation after key talks across the U.S. focused on fleet modernization, F-16 training, and C-130 sustainment.
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 20, 2026 CSAF, CMSAF visit Hickam to drive readiness, synchronize mission focus CSAF and CMSAF visited Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam to engage directly with Airmen and reinforce the critical "fly and fix" mission essential to Indo-Pacific deterrence.
May 19, 2026 Engineering the impossible: Dyess Airmen set the foundation for historic Caribbean missions While home-station personnel at Dyess Air Force Base battled severe winter snowstorms to keep their airfield open, Airmen deployed 2,300 miles away were breaking ground in the tropical heat of the Caribbean. Despite the extreme contrast in climates, these teams operated with a singular focus:
May 18, 2026 Accelerating the fight for drone dominance Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson is putting drone dominance into action with the development of programs and training for both combat scenarios and installation defense.
May 15, 2026 AF Week in Photos This week's photos feature Airmen from around the globe involved in activities supporting expeditionary operations and defending America. This weekly feature showcases the men and women of the Air Force.
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 15, 2026 Citizen Airmen and the legacy of airpower: AFRC’s enduring bond with Team Robins Air Force Reserve Command and Robins AFB emphasize the critical role of Citizen Airmen in sustaining aircraft, supporting global missions and maintaining the readiness of American airpower through the Total Force model, especially as the nation approaches its 250th anniversary.
May 14, 2026 PACS 26: Strengthening global partnerships for a free, open Indo-Pacific The leaders are meeting this week to focus on integrating air power and strengthening partnerships for a free and open Indo-Pacific.
May 13, 2026 Checkered Flag 26-2 concludes, forges high-end readiness and joint interoperability Checkered Flag 26-2, one of the U.S. military's largest air-to-air exercises, concluded at Tyndall Air Force Base, integrating fourth- and fifth-generation aircraft from the Air Force and Navy to enhance joint interoperability and high-end combat readiness.
May 13, 2026 Balikatan 2026: 317th AW Airmen awarded Philippine Military Merit Medal U.S. Airmen from the 317th Airlift Wing were awarded the Philippine Military Merit Medal for their significant contributions to Exercise Balikatan 2026, enhancing rapid airlift capabilities and strengthening regional security alongside the Armed Forces of the Philippines.
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 11, 2026 55th Fighter Squadron pilots earn Distinguished Flying Cross ACC commander awards six Airmen with one of the nation’s highest military honors for extraordinary heroism during Operation Midnight Hammer.
May 11, 2026 US Air Force reassigns combat training units to enhance readiness Air Force FTUs specialize in developing operational proficiency for aircrew members assigned to advanced weapon systems. These units provide system and mission-specific training, ensuring a seamless transition from foundational skills to combat-readiness.
May 8, 2026 AFMC hosts CMSAF, Enlisted Force Development Panel to shape future leaders AFMC hosted CMSAF Wolfe and other senior enlisted leaders for the Spring 2026 Air Force Enlisted Force Development Panel to shape future Air Force leaders.
May 8, 2026 CMSAF Wolfe emphasizes readiness, modernization, Airmen, families during Hill AFB all-call During a visit to Utah, the Air Force’s top enlisted leader, CMSAF David Wolfe, held a May 1 all-call at Hill Air Force Base addressing the realities of combat readiness, the importance of innovation, and the urgent need to take care of one another.
May 7, 2026 Maj. Gen. Moga nominated to lead USAFA following Lt. Gen. Bauernfeind The President of the United States has nominated Maj. Gen. Paul D. Moga, Third Air Force commander, to serve as the 23rd Superintendent of the U.S. Air Force Academy and promotion to the rank of lieutenant general.
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 5, 2026 2025 Department of the Air Force Strategic Deterrence and Nuclear Integration Award recipients announced Department of the Air Force officials recently named the recipients of the 2025 Strategic Deterrence and Nuclear Integration Annual Awards.
May 4, 2026 Air Force greenlights T-7A Red Hawk for production following Milestone C The Air Force recently approved initial production of 14 T-7A aircraft, spares and trainers to get the next generation training capabilities into the hands of instructor pilots and students as quickly and safely as possible.
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 CSAF immersion at JBSA highlights training modernization, force readiness CSAF held an immersion at JBSA that included Air Force BMT, the Special Warfare Training Wing and the T-7A Red Hawk, underscoring AETC's focus of strengthening airpower through advancing and improving training.
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 27, 2026 95th FS, FGS enhance lethality through advanced threat training during Ready Tiger 26-3 The exercise is designed to test Airmen’s ability to rapidly deploy, sustain operation and generate airpower in simulated austere environments.
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 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 20, 2026 919th SOW tests full-spectrum readiness in wing exercise The exercise focused on the 919th SOW's core Mission Essential Tasks by establishing a FOB and executing complex operations in a simulated austere location. The training was specifically designed to replicate a challenging and restrictive operational environment.
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 14, 2026 B-21 Raider accelerates delivery of long-range strike capability The B-21 Raider program continues to accelerate the delivery of long-range strike capability, with aerial refueling via a KC-135 Stratotanker demonstrating the rapid maturation of the weapon system.
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 13, 2026 Meink emphasizes technological excellence, acquisition transformation during Ohio immersion Secretary of the Air Force Troy Meink concluded a visit to Air Force Materiel Command and Wright-Patterson Air Force Base units April 3, which provided him a comprehensive look at the critical airpower, technology and acquisition missions conducted by units across the installation.
April 9, 2026 Colonel Tellez to Succeed Brigadier General Marks as Commandant, Reinforcing Warfighter Focus at the Academy Colonel Brandon J. Tellez has been assigned as the Academy’s 32nd Commandant of Cadets, succeeding Brigadier General Gavin P. Marks.
April 8, 2026 Air Force announces FY26 aviation bonus Eligible active-duty aviators have from April 1 until August 31, or until the program’s funds are exhausted, to apply for the fiscal year 2026 aviation bonus, Air Force officials announced April 1, 2026.
April 7, 2026 SecAF presents Harold Brown Award to NASIC researcher Secretary of the Air Force Troy E. Meink recognized Richard Borth, National Air and Space Intelligence Center researcher with the 2024 Harold Brown Award for his work developing an artificial intelligence algorithm to detect deployed weapons systems in synthetic aperture radar imagery.
March 30, 2026 A hero's final flight: 'Bud' Anderson laid to rest at Arlington Brig. Gen. Clarence E. “Bud” Anderson, the last surviving “triple ace” pilot from World War II, received full military funeral honors at Arlington National Cemetery.
March 30, 2026 USAF, Army integrate air defense capabilities during Freedom Shield 26 The 51st Security Forces Squadron and 35th Air Defense Artillery Brigade conducted joint training during exercise Freedom Shield 26 at Osan Air Base.
March 30, 2026 Hill AFB fighter squadron chosen as top in the Air Force The award recognizes the top fighter squadron in the United States Air Force.
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 26, 2026 AFMC hosts USecAF during Wright-Patterson AFB immersion The visit provided an opportunity for Lohmeier to meet with command leaders and subject matter experts, who offered insights on current and future missions, challenges and opportunities.
March 26, 2026 Decision advantages formed by ACC’s Operations Analysis Squadron ACC’s Operations Analysis Squadron worked with the United States Air Force Weapons School to develop an innovative eGradebook — a unified online platform with automated trend analysis and streamlined data entry.
March 25, 2026 Senior enlisted leaders stress quality of life, readiness They told lawmakers on the House Committee on Appropriations, that quality of life is critical to maintaining readiness as Airmen and Guardians continue to operate in demanding environments worldwide.
March 24, 2026 Air Force leaders visit Minot AFB to advance Sentinel modernization The visit focused on ensuring alignment between program development and operational execution as the Air Force prepares to transition from the Minuteman III system to the LGM-35A Sentinel.
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 17, 2026 419th Fighter Wing Reservists support first-ever microreactor airlift The historic mission, known as Operation Windlord, marked the first-ever military airlift of a microreactor and demonstrated the Department of War’s ability to rapidly deploy next-generation power systems by air.
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 12, 2026 CSAF, CMSAF highlight AETC’s strategic impact on force readiness The senior leaders visited multiple bases to see how AETC is preparing Airmen for the demands of the operational Air Force.
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 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.
March 6, 2026 Where Commanders Turn When Decisions Carry Human Consequence Not every decision a commander makes is measured in timelines, resources or maneuver. Some are measured in trust. Others carry moral weight. Many affect families, unit cohesion and the long-term health of the force
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. 26, 2026 Healy highlights Reserve advantage during AFA symposium The Commander of AFRC, Lt. Gen. John Healy, told Airmen and Guardians attending the Air and Space Forces 2026 Warfare Symposium that Reserve Airman are an advantage to the Department of the Air Force.
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. 26, 2026 AMC interim commander emphasizes Airmen, aircraft readiness importance at AFA Lt. Gen. Rebecca Sonkiss, who took over as Air Mobility Command’s interim commander earlier this month, addressed service members, industry and journalists on the state of mobility readiness at the 2026 Air and Space Forces Association Warfare Symposium.
Feb. 25, 2026 Warfighting acquisition transformation to bolster DAF Battle Network delivery Leaders doubled down on the importance of acquisition transformation within the DAF Battle Network framework, highlighting the department’s focus on maturing architecture and delivering capability at operational speed.
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 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 Collaborative Combat Aircraft program progresses through deliberate weapons integration testing The Air Force has entered the next phase of developmental testing for its Collaborative Combat Aircraft program.
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. 23, 2026 DAF increases B-21 Raider production capacity to deliver combat capability faster The Department of the Air Force and Northrop Grumman Corp. have reached an agreement to expand production capacity for the B-21 Raider, accelerating delivery of the Air Force’s next-generation stealth bomber fleet.
Feb. 18, 2026 F-35 IIFTU graduates international class, reinforcing allied readiness at Luke AFB The ceremony marks a significant milestone in the F-35 program’s international training mission, providing advanced instruction to intelligence professionals from 11 different partner nations.
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. 17, 2026 War, Energy Departments team up to advance future of nuclear power, military base energy security A next-generation nuclear reactor was loaded aboard a C-17 Globemaster III for transport ensuring greater energy security for the United States.
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. 12, 2026 Air Force, Space Force senior enlisted advisors emphasize quality of life’s importance in national defense Air Force and Space Force senior enlisted leaders appeared before the Senate Armed Services Subcommittee to address quality of life's importance in national defense.
Feb. 10, 2026 JBER debuts a PACAF-first Mission Ready Airman program Thirty-four U.S. Air Force noncommissioned officers participated in a Security Forces-focused, first-of-its-kind program that aims at increasing lethality and readiness across the force.
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 C3BM takes lead on Joint Fires Network The DAF Portfolio Acquisition Executive for Command, Control, Communications and Battle Management stood up an integrated program office to lead the Joint Fires Network.
Feb. 6, 2026 DRMC Airmen support certification of instrument landing systems U.S. Air Forces Central DRMC Airmen supported the commissioning and flight inspection of the 332nd Air Expeditionary Wing’s airfield instrument landing systems, ensuring they met required standards for safe operations during periods of reduced visibility.
Feb. 5, 2026 Shaping the future of airpower: Air Force requirements transformation industry day The United States Air Force hosted industry partners Jan. 29 as part of its effort to transform the Requirements Process, bringing together approximately 350 defense industry leaders.
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.