April 16, 2024 Michigan National Guard enhances capabilities through alliance with Swedish air force Members of Headquarters Air Force and the swedish air force visited joint facilities for all-weather training to discuss new opportunities for multilateral training.
April 3, 2024 F-16s arrive to be modified for autonomous testing VENOM-AFT is designed and funded to accelerate testing of autonomy software on crewed and uncrewed aircraft. It complements the autonomy data and AI experimentation proving ground at Eglin AFB and informs the Collaborative Combat Aircraft program and other autonomy developers.
March 21, 2024 95th FS, FGS complete first TDY The TDY marks the first off-station flying training event for Tyndall AFB’s F-35A Lightning II mission after jets started arriving there in 2023.
March 5, 2024 US, Bangladesh bolster tactical airlift interoperability during Cope South 24 Cope South 2024 is a PACAF-sponsored bilateral tactical airlift exercise and provides an opportunity to strengthen the interoperability between U.S. and Bangladesh Air Forces, which directly impacts the ability to address shared security concerns.
March 5, 2024 AFRL’s XQ-67A makes 1st successful flight The XQ-67A is the first of a second generation of autonomous collaborative platforms paving the way for other aircraft “species” to be rapidly replicated on a standard genus chassis.
Feb. 27, 2024 T-7 Red Hawk undergoes extreme temps during climate tests A T-7A Red Hawk, the Air Force’s new trainer aircraft, completed a month-long trial of extreme weather inside the McKinley Climatic Laboratory, Feb. 23.
Feb. 26, 2024 MQ-9 Reaper lands at Shaw AFB in historic first Airmen from the 50th Attack Squadron and Air National Guardsmen from the 163rd Attack Wing conducted a historic first, Feb. 14, by successfully landing an MQ-9 Reaper at Shaw Air Force Base under satellite control.
Jan. 30, 2024 Hill AFB Airmen bring F-35A’s vital capabilities to Red Flag’s modern fight Hundreds of pilots, maintainers, and support personnel from the 388th Fighter Wing have deployed to Nellis Air Force Base for Red Flag 24-1 with more than a dozen F-35A Lightning IIs from Hill AFB, Utah.
Jan. 12, 2024 UPDATE: Selfridge ANG Base selected as next location for KC-46A Pegasus The Department of the Air Force selected Selfridge Air National Guard Base, Michigan, as the preferred location to host the next KC-46A Pegasus pending the outcome of a planned environmental impact analysis in 2025.Twelve KC-46As are expected to replace the aging A-10C Thunderbolt IIs and KC-135
Dec. 26, 2023 New F-15EX Eagles arrive at Eglin AFB The Air Force’s two newest fighters, F-15EX Eagle IIs, known as EX3 and EX4 touched down at Eglin Air Force Base, Dec. 20.
Dec. 20, 2023 Red Hawk readies for climate chamber testing The Air Force’s new bird of prey, the T-7 Red Hawk, arrived at Eglin Dec. 15, 2023 to begin a series of climate testing at Eglin’s McKinley Climatic Lab.
Dec. 7, 2023 Restoring an F-35A Lightning II: A collaborative endeavor F-35 maintenance experts here are taking on a seemingly impossible task – stitching two mishap damaged aircraft together into a restored, fully operational F-35A Lighting II.
Dec. 6, 2023 AFSOC commander directs CV-22 operational standdown The standdown will provide time and space for a thorough investigation to determine causal factors and recommendations to ensure the Air Force CV-22 fleet returns to flight operations.
Dec. 6, 2023 AFIMSC plays critical role in fielding of B-21 AFIMSC is playing a critical role in executing the multiyear beddown of the B-21 Raider for the Air Force.
Dec. 5, 2023 AFSOC Aircraft Mishap Releases After days of intensive, 24/7 search and rescue operations for eight Airmen following the CV-22 mishap off the shore of Yakushima Island, Japan, the U.S. military transitioned search and rescue operations to search and recovery operations.
Nov. 23, 2023 Fairchild AFB demonstrates strategic deterrence readiness during Titan Fury 24-1 Airmen assigned to the 92nd and the 141st Air Refueling Wings conducted an exercise demonstrating how various support activities contribute to mobilizing KC-135 Stratotankers at a moment’s notice.
Nov. 22, 2023 Moody AFB exercises AFFORGEN concepts at Mosaic Tiger 24-1 Mosaic Tiger 24- aims to test the continued concept of command and control, and the 23rd Wing’s ability to generate airpower in less-than-ideal conditions as an Expeditionary Air Base.
Nov. 15, 2023 Morris Air National Guard Base to receive FMS F-16s to train Slovak Air Force The addition of Slovak-owned F-16s at Morris ANGB will require an increase of almost 30 ANG personnel, and only four of the possible nine aircraft will be used for flying training of Slovak Air Force pilots.
Nov. 9, 2023 T-7A Red Hawk arrival at Edwards AFB reflects integrated team effort The aircraft is the first production representative jet off the assembly line and was piloted by a joint U.S. Air Force and Boeing aircrew.
Nov. 7, 2023 JB MDL completes KC-46A Pegasus AFFORGEN certification Jointly, these squadrons sharpened their skills to generate, fly and deliver airpower superiority. Airmen implemented agile combat employment concepts in simulated deployed scenarios, testing their proactive and reactive responses with limited personnel and equipment.
Nov. 2, 2023 Vigilant Defense 24: Accept follow-on forces Combined flying training events are regularly scheduled training events designed to enhance the readiness of U.S. and South Korea forces and sustain capabilities, which strengthen the South Korea-U.S. alliance.
Oct. 30, 2023 BETA’s ALIA electric aircraft arrives at Eglin AFB BETA’s ALIA electric aircraft has a 50-foot wingspan, a range of 250 miles with a top speed of 138 mph and is 90% quieter than a helicopter.
Oct. 24, 2023 New F-16 squadron arrives, bolstering US defense posture in Middle East The arrival bolsters U.S. posture to defend U.S. forces and deter further aggression in the region.
Oct. 21, 2023 100th ARW's KC-135s first tankers in USAFE equipped with RTIC data link Some KC-135 Stratotankers have recently been fitted with the Real-Time Information in the Cockpit system – more commonly known as “RTIC” – giving them the ability to see tactical data link information in the jet.
Oct. 17, 2023 C-130H avionics goes digital with major modernization upgrade The update, called Avionics Modernization Program Increment 2, is a significant improvement to the almost 60-year-old aircraft’s avionics and navigation systems.
Sept. 26, 2023 Emerging Technologies Integrated Test Force takes delivery of first eVTOL aircraft The Emerging Technologies Integrated Test Force is the lead element tasked with testing and evaluating the technology for future national defense applications.
Sept. 21, 2023 Air Force accepts first T-7 Red Hawk, more testing The U.S. Air Force accepted the first of five T-7A Red Hawks from the Boeing Co. highlighting a new advanced training system developed to replace the aging T-38 Talon.
Sept. 14, 2023 4 Air National Guard locations chosen for next C-130H to C-130J upgrades The Department of the Air Force selected 103rd Airlift Wing, 120th Airlift Wing, 133rd Airlift Wing, and 182nd Airlift Wing, as the preferred locations to receive C-130J Super Hercules to replace aging C-130Hs, pending the outcome of environmental assessments.
Sept. 11, 2023 Richardson highlights AFMC’s integral role in next-gen bomber program during AFA keynote Using the acquisition and fielding of the Air Force’s newest bomber as a backdrop, Gen. Duke Z. Richardson emphasized the critical role the organization maintains in outpacing and deterring the People’s Republic of China in a high-profile address.
Sept. 7, 2023 USAFE-AFAFRICA demonstrates breakthrough mobile MQ-9A satellite launch, recovery package The SLR-P offers a compact, "wallet-sized" innovation poised to launch and recover the MQ-9A at strategic theater locations situated in some of the most rugged, remote outposts in Europe.
Aug. 16, 2023 DAF selects JetZero to develop blended wing body aircraft prototype The Department of the Air Force selected JetZero for the next phase of a blended wing body prototype aircraft project Aug. 16.
Aug. 15, 2023 US B-2 Spirits deploy to Keflavik AB for BTF 23-4 This BTF initiative was designed to bolster USEUCOM’s overarching security mandates across the European continent while also affording aircrews the opportunity to acclimate themselves to the intricacies of joint and coalition operations in foreign locations.
Aug. 3, 2023 USAF, RAAF conduct bilateral training during Talisman Sabre 23 Talisman Sabre is a biennial large-scale military exercise between Australia and the United States that started in 2005. This is the 10th and largest iteration of the exercise with more than 30,000 personnel from 13 countries participating.
Aug. 2, 2023 Davis-Monthan AFB identified as AFSOC’s next power projection wing The 492nd Special Operations Wing is slated to become a power projection wing with all of AFSOC’s mission capabilities.
Aug. 2, 2023 F-35 aircraft touch down at Tyndall AFB Tyndall Air Force Base transitioned from an air dominance training mission to a fighter wing with the touchdown of three F-35A Lightning IIs Aug. 1.
Aug. 2, 2023 AETC showcases people, missions at one of world’s largest air shows Known as one of the largest airshows in the world, EAA AirVenture Oshkosh included over 650,000 attendees and 10,000 aircraft.
Aug. 1, 2023 Travis AFB welcomes its first KC-46A Pegasus The KC-46A aircraft will be operated by the 6th and 9th Air Refueling Squadrons for the active component and the 70th and 79th Air Refueling Squadrons for the Air Force Reserve Command.
July 26, 2023 Connected battlespace modernizes fight in Indo-Pacific Utah Air National Guard’s 151st Air Refueling Wing, working with the Air National Guard and Air Force Reserve Test Center, sent their modified KC-135 Stratotanker to Kadena Air Base for use in the Western Pacific during Northern Edge 23-2.
July 24, 2023 12th ACCS flies last mission with KOMODO 1 crew The 12th Airborne Command and Control Squadron flew its last Joint STARS flight as KOMODO 1 at Robins Air Force Base, Georgia, on July 12.
July 12, 2023 B-52 Stratofortresses return to Indo-Pacific for BTF missions Bomber Task Force missions demonstrates the credibility of U.S. forces to address global security environments that are more diverse and uncertain than ever before.
July 6, 2023 USAF B-52 deployment concludes in Indonesia The exercise, which lasted about a week and was supported by various U.S. Pacific Air Forces units, marked the first time U.S. Air Force B-52s landed on and operated from Indonesian soil.
June 30, 2023 Three generations of breaking barriers: T-7A Red Hawk soars with US Air Force test pilot Maj. Bryce Turner, a test pilot from the 416th Flight Test Squadron has become the first Air Force pilot to fly the T-7A Red Hawk during a test flight at the Boeing aircraft delivery center in St. Louis, Missouri.
June 29, 2023 AFWERX integrates uncrewed traffic management to enhance safety, security AFWERX and the Air Force Research Laboratory’s Information Directorate have installed an Uncrewed Aircraft System Traffic Management, or UTM, at Eglin Air Force Base, Florida.
June 26, 2023 Gowen Field ANGB to transition to F-16 mission The decision to host the F-16 mission at Gowen Field ANGB came after assessing the area’s ability to facilitate the mission and infrastructure capacity, while accounting for community support, environmental factors and cost.
June 26, 2023 Moody AFB selected to host next F-35A mission The Department of the Air Force selected Moody Air Force Base, Georgia, as the preferred location to receive the next active-duty F-35A Lightning II mission.
June 25, 2023 AMC celebrates 100th year of air refueling with community flyovers across the US More than 150 tankers from 26 Total Force installations are scheduled to participate in the flyovers including KC-135 Stratotankers, KC-10 Extenders and KC-46 Pegasus aircraft to honor 100 years of aerial refueling excellence.
June 23, 2023 New York Air Guard assists search for lost submersible The wing launched three search missions 900 miles out over the North Atlantic from their base on the eastern tip of Long Island June 19-21 at the request of the U.S. Coast Guard.
June 21, 2023 MQ-9 Reaper completes first mission using dirt landing zone Air commandos conducted the first MQ-9 landing on a dirt landing zone; providing a glimpse of what is possible as transformation continues throughout the remotely piloted aircraft enterprise.
June 15, 2023 182nd Airlift Wing leads C-130 Hercules operations at NATO’s Air Defender 2023 The largest NATO multinational air forces redeployment exercise in history began at Wunstorf Air Base, June 12, with the Illinois Air National Guard’s 182nd Airlift Wing leading the C-130 Hercules aircraft operations.
June 14, 2023 Arctic Challenge 2023: Nordic defense requires the F-35’s advanced capabilities The large-force, live-fly field training exercise emphasizes joint and combined air operations between Nordic allies and partners. This year’s iteration, led by Finland, brings together 13 nations and a NATO coalition to further Arctic security initiatives.
June 13, 2023 128th ARW provides air bridge in support of Air Defender 2023 The 128th ARW KC-135 Stratotankers acted as a flying gas station, using a boom system to transfer fuel to the receiving aircraft, maximizing operational efficiency and reducing transit times.
June 8, 2023 USAFCENT flexes air-to-ground capabilities in historic first for BTF This particular BTF mission was historic in that it was the first time AFCENT flew multiple weapons types and practiced employment against multiple simulated targets during single bomber task force mission.
May 27, 2023 AATC tests enhanced intelligence gathering capabilities with MQ-9 Reaper upgrade The upgrade enhances the aircraft’s ability to provide real-time situational awareness to combatant commanders around the world.
May 26, 2023 MagNav project successfully demonstrates real-time magnetic navigation In a groundbreaking achievement, the DAF-MIT AI Accelerator MagNav project performed real-time magnetic navigation aboard a C-17A Globemaster III in flight, becoming the first organization to successfully demonstrate the technology in real-time on a DoD aircraft.
May 25, 2023 Kingsley Field to host F-35A Formal Training Unit The DAF plans to convert the F-15C Eagle Formal Training Unit at Kingsley Field in Klamath Falls, Oregon, into a third F-35A Lightning II FTU.
May 23, 2023 Tyndall AFB welcomes CSAF to the 'Installation of the Future' Airmen from Tyndall AFB welcomed Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. CQ Brown, Jr., to the Defense Department's first “Installation of the Future.”
May 18, 2023 Air Force solicits source selection proposals for NGAD Platform The Department of the Air Force released a classified solicitation to industry for an engineering and manufacturing development contract for the Next Generation Air Dominance Platform with the intent to award a contract in 2024.
May 14, 2023 US Air Force F-22 Raptors deter aggression over Baltic skies U.S. Air Force fifth-generation fighters supporting NATO Allied Air Command’s Air Shielding mission along the Eastern Flank executed an ACE deployment to Ämari Air Base, Estonia, to deter aggression in the Baltic Sea region.
May 4, 2023 ANG wings train at Operation Hoodoo Sea The exercise, led by the Virginia ANG, sought to test and validate minimum force elements using multi-capable Airmen executing functions across job specialties and multiple platforms.
May 3, 2023 Nigerian Air Force receives new facilities for A-29 Super Tucano fleet Less than two years after 12 A-29 Super Tucano aircraft were inducted into the Nigerian Air Force, a $38 million project to construct new facilities for the aircraft was successfully completed at Kainji Air Base.
April 27, 2023 MacDill AFB conducts Operation Violent Storm The operation consisted of an elephant walk with 18 KC-135 Stratotankers mobilizing through the efforts of more than 700 personnel from across the installation, all in under six hours.
April 26, 2023 Arctic Gold 23-2 refines 354th FW ACE operations The exercise showcased the wing’s ability to employ and sustain F-35 operations across multiple locations using the Agile Combat Employment concept.
April 20, 2023 Rated Preparatory Program: Master sergeant gains experience for rated career opportunities The RPP is an opportunity for active-duty Air Force officers and enlisted members interested in becoming rated officers to develop basic aviation skills, enhance their aviation knowledge through developmental modules and acquire flying experience at no cost.
April 18, 2023 DAF selects next locations for newest fighters The Department of the Air Force selected the next bases to receive two of its newest fighters.
April 10, 2023 Israeli Air Force F-35s participate in Red Flag for first time The Israeli Air Force returned to Nellis Air Force Base to participate in Red Flag 23-2, this time with its F-35I Adir.
April 10, 2023 F-22A Raptor pilots test next-gen helmet 46th Test Squadron engineers facilitate second round of developmental testing since AF announced helmet last year.
April 9, 2023 Upgraded F-16 rejoins 8th FW An upgraded F-16 Fighting Falcon returned to 8th Fighter Wing operations after AFLCMC’s Post Block Integration Team provided the aircraft with the first wave of 22 modifications designed to improve lethality to meet the needs of current and future operations.
March 30, 2023 F-35s arrive at Kadena AB to maintain advanced fighter presence While deployed to the Keystone of the Pacific, the F-35s will work in conjunction with other fighter units at Kadena AB to ensure continued steady-state fighter capabilities in the region.
March 19, 2023 ACC announces 2023 demonstration team pilots Air Combat Command recently announced the 2023 ACC demonstration team pilots.
March 18, 2023 5th-gen fighters debut in Philippines during bilateral integration U.S. Air Force aircraft from Joint Base Elmendorf–Richardson, Alaska and Kadena Air Base, Japan traveled to Clark Air Base, Philippines to integrate and train with Philippine air force 5th Fighter Wing counterparts.
March 10, 2023 New paint design for ‘Next Air Force One’ President of the United States Joe Biden has selected the livery design for the "Next Air Force One," VC-25B, a design that will closely resemble the livery of the current Air Force One, VC-25A, while also modernizing for the 21st century.
March 9, 2023 US brings airpower, community to Australian airshow The Defense Department participated in the 2023 Australian International Aerospace & Defence Exposition and Airshow to highlight the importance of our strategic partnerships in the Indo-Pacific.
Feb. 28, 2023 Air Force awards E-7A prototype contract The Department of the Air Force awarded The Boeing Company a contract to begin work on the E-7A weapon system, which is slated to replace the E-3 AWACS.
Feb. 4, 2023 F-22 safely shoots down Chinese spy balloon off South Carolina coast President Joe Biden ordered the action on Wednesday, but it was delayed until the balloon was over water off the coast of South Carolina to ensure no Americans on the ground were harmed.
Feb. 2, 2023 53rd Wing’s MUSTANGS: the future of agile data capture and ACE capability Part of the Crowd-Sourced Flight Data program, MUSTANGS is a mobile vehicle that can download, process, and offload important data from Quick Reaction Instrumentation Package-equipped aircraft without the need for fixed, operational test infrastructure.
Jan. 23, 2023 Alaska Air National Guard trains with Coast Guard The 210th Rescue Squadron and the U.S. Coast Guardsmen of Maritime Security Response Team West teamed up for recent training
Jan. 11, 2023 F-35 conducts first flight with TR-3 A developmental test team from the 461st Flight Test Squadron conducted the first flight of an F-35 Lightning II in the Technology Refresh 3 configuration Jan. 6 at Edwards Air Force Base
Jan. 10, 2023 JB Charleston launches 24 C-17s during mission generation exercise The exercise marked the largest C-17 launch ever from a single base and demonstrated the wing’s ability to rapidly generate and project overwhelming airpower alongside joint partners.
Dec. 6, 2022 Robins AFB takes next step in establishing new missions Four new command and control missions are coming to Robins Air Force Base, after the completion of two environmental assessments.
Dec. 3, 2022 New 'Spirit Realm’ B-2 Spirit software factory keeps fleet operational — enabling combat relevancy for years to come A new software factory using the Department of Defense reference design has pushed the aircraft’s evolution further forward.
Dec. 2, 2022 B-21 Raider makes public debut; will become backbone of Air Force’s bomber fleet The U.S. Air Force unveiled its newest bomber aircraft, the B-21 Raider, designed to operate in tomorrow's high-end threat environment.
Nov. 28, 2022 Increased firepower provides unique capability for combat rescue The wing searched for an innovative way to bring more firepower to the fight and with the HH-60G scheduled to be retired, it had to be cost effective and easily transferred to the new HH-60W Jolly Green II because of the similar design structures.
Nov. 27, 2022 QRIP-equipped CAF F-35s set the stage for future Crowd-Sourced Flight Data platform integration In March 2022, the first set of U.S. Air Force operational aircraft were equipped with the Quick Reaction Instrumentation Package, enabling the first Combat Air Forces contribution to Crowd-Sourced Flight Data.
Nov. 22, 2022 Pease ANG crew flies record-breaking endurance mission In a feat of air mobility endurance, a KC-46A Pegasus crew from the 157th Air Refueling Wing flew a non-stop mission half-way around the globe and back.
Nov. 19, 2022 Airmen innovate, ensure HH-60W’s first deployment A team of 41st Rescue Squadron and Rescue Generation Squadron Airmen overcame a shortfall with an innovative solution, ensuring the HH-60W Jolly Green II aircraft's first deployment.
Nov. 14, 2022 AFSOC conducts live-fire exercise with Rapid Dragon During SOCEUR exercise ATREUS 22-4, two MC-130J Commando IIs assigned to the 352nd Special Operations Wing flew the Rapid Dragon package to a Royal Norwegian Air Force training range and deployed it over the Atlantic Ocean.
Nov. 9, 2022 Autonomous aircraft testing arrives at Eglin AFB The 40th Flight Test Squadron at Eglin AFB took possession of the first of two government-owned Kratos XQ‑58A Valkyrie, a low-cost, high-performance uncrewed air vehicle.
Nov. 3, 2022 AFSOC receives final AC-130J Air Force Special Operations command received its final AC-130J Ghostrider, which completes the command's transition from its legacy AC-130 variants.
Nov. 2, 2022 McConnell AFB completes KC-46 flight with limited crew The 22nd Air Refueling Wing flew a KC-46A Pegasus without a copilot to validate procedures for operating with a limited aircrew for certain potential high-end combat scenarios.
Oct. 26, 2022 MQ-9s demonstrate new capabilities in Emerald Flag Air Force Special Operations Command’s Remotely Piloted Aircraft enterprise participated in an Emerald Flag exercise at Eglin Air Force Base, Florida, Oct. 17-20.
Oct. 25, 2022 NY Guard’s 109th Airlift Wing supports Antarctic research The New York Air National Guard’s 109th Airlift Wing, using the LC-130 "Skibird" Hercules, has begun launching support operations in Antarctica in support of National Science Foundation research.
Oct. 23, 2022 B-1B Bomber Task Force returns to Guam for multilateral training operations U.S. Air Force B-1B Lancers returned to Andersen Air Force Base as part of a Bomber Task Force mission to demonstrate the Lancers' ability to deploy anytime, anywhere.
Oct. 20, 2022 B-21 bomber to be unveiled Dec. 2 The Air Force confirmed Oct. 20 it plans to reveal the B-21 Raider Dec. 2 during an unveiling ceremony hosted and sponsored by the Northrop Grumman Corporation at its production facilities in Palmdale, California.
Oct. 13, 2022 HH-60W reaches initial operational capability Gen. Mark Kelly, commander of Air Combat Command, declared the HH-60W Jolly Green II has reached initial operational capability on Oct 4.
Oct. 11, 2022 Fairchild completes historic 72-hour KC-135 endurance mission Two KC-135 Stratotankers simultaneously conducted 72-hour single-aircraft endurance missions, demonstrating multi-day tanker mission generation capabilities, Oct. 4-7.
Oct. 9, 2022 15th Wing, JASDF increase interoperability during first bilateral exercise Japan Air Self-Defense Force (Koku-Jieitai) Airmen spent three days training alongside 15th Wing Airmen, strengthening partnerships and familiarizing both forces with the Kawasaki C-2 and C-17 Globemaster III.
Sept. 30, 2022 Hurricane Hunters fly last mission into Ian The unit flew weather reconnaissance missions around the clock for more than a week into Hurricane Ian to gather vital weather data for National Hurricane Center forecasts.
Sept. 26, 2022 ‘Accelerate Change or Lose’: Robins AFB members modernize aircraft GPS The Resilient Embedded Global Positioning System/Inertial Navigation System program, or R-EGI for short, is one of the AFLCMC’s solutions to building resiliency into aircraft navigation systems.
Sept. 20, 2022 KC-46A cleared for worldwide deployments following first combat refuel The KC-46A recently completed an employment concept exercise in the U.S. Central Command area of operations, during which it was evaluated while filling real-world taskings in support of combat operations, supplementing other tanker aircraft in theater.
Sept. 17, 2022 F-15C Eagle fleet prepares to stand down after 50 years of vigilance For 24 years, the F-15 Eagle has roared over the city of Klamath Falls, Ore., flying countless training missions and supplying air superiority pilots to the U.S. Air Force.