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.
Dec. 2, 2025 Update on recent DAF efforts In a memorandum to commanders, the SecAF and CSAF said: “The Air Force must be prepared to fly and fix so we can fight and win. We will maintain this posture through increased focus on readiness and modernization in a commander-focused service.”
Nov. 21, 2025 Astute financial management leads to $82.9 billion Fiscal Year 2025 execution The Air Force Materiel Command closed out Fiscal Year 2025 executing $82.9 billion across its entire portfolio, demonstrating sound resource planning and astute financial management in support of Department of the Air Force and warfighter needs.
Nov. 21, 2025 US – Italian partnership supports USAF's future of Undergraduate Pilot Training Program The U.S. Air Force and the Italian Air Force have partnered to execute an undergraduate flying training program Small Group Tryout at the International Flight Training School.
Nov. 19, 2025 McGhee Tyson ANGB will host KC-46A Pegasus MOB 7 The DAF has selected McGhee Tyson Air National Guard Base in Knoxville, Tenn., as the preferred location to host the KC-46A Pegasus Main Operating Base 7, replacing all KC-135 Stratotankers to bring enhanced capabilities.
Nov. 19, 2025 Maintainers use innovative solutions for limited resources during Mosaic Tiger 26-1 Equipment is the lifeblood of the maintenance world; without equipment, the jets don't fly. So how do maintainers keep jets flying with limited resources?
Nov. 18, 2025 F-15Es complete historic forward operations from Diego Garcia F-15E Strike Eagles assigned to the 336th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron have rotated out of Kadena Air Base, Japan, concluding a six-month deployment that included a groundbreaking three-month forward operation to U.S. Navy Support Facility Diego Garcia.
Nov. 6, 2025 Chief Master Sgt. David Wolfe named 21st Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force Chief Master Sgt. David R. Wolfe was selected as the 21st Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force.
Sept. 30, 2025 Air Force broadens career development opportunities for Airmen through new developmental duties process The Air Force has transformed its developmental duty process to offer Airmen more flexibility and control over their career while ensuring high-quality personnel fill positions critical to the future of the force.
Sept. 29, 2025 36th AS conducts HIRAIN with US Marines, enables bilateral operations PACAF Airmen conducted a High Mobility Artillery Rocket System Rapid Insertion training, enabling a bilateral live-fire exercise between the U.S. Marine Corps and the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force.
Sept. 26, 2025 Exercising at scale: What we’re learning The DAF has been investing in its readiness and training with more sophisticated operational exercises, changes to enhance the rapid deployment of forces, and the regular exercise of mission command.
Sept. 24, 2025 Cleaning up the battlefield: Altus Airmen take on CBRN training with Fort Sill Airmen traveled to Fort Sill to support the U.S. Army’s 3-2 Air Defense Artillery Battalion in achieving its Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear training objectives.
Sept. 24, 2025 Air Force updates physical fitness program In support of the “Culture of Fitness” initiative, the Air Force unveiled changes to its Physical Fitness Assessment and a new fitness program.
Sept. 22, 2025 Meink stresses innovation, focus, funding to maintain air, space superiority Secretary of the Air Force Troy Meink delivers his keynote address at the Air, Space and Cyber Conference.
Sept. 19, 2025 C3BM celebrates third year with innovation, integration The Department of the Air Force Program Executive Office for Command, Control, Communications and Battle Management is commemorating its third anniversary today, marking three years of leading the DAF’s C3BM modernization efforts.
Sept. 19, 2025 Air Force experiments with AI, boosts battle management speed, accuracy The Air Force wrapped up the second Decision Advantage Sprint for Human-Machine Teaming, known as DASH 2, a fast-paced experiment exploring how AI can help operators make faster, smarter decisions in complex battlespaces.
Sept. 19, 2025 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.
Sept. 18, 2025 DAF launches Culture of Fitness initiative The initiative aims to reinvigorate a holistic culture of well-being that empowers Airmen and Guardians to be more dominant, agile and lethal through physical fitness.
Sept. 17, 2025 Air Force Reserve expands international partnerships across Europe The tour advances the Reserve Allies and Partners Program's mission to build interoperable reserve capabilities and strengthen international partnerships in support of combatant commander priorities.
Sept. 12, 2025 Final basing decision for Special Operations Wing to Davis-Monthan AFB, revisions to maximize effectiveness The Department of the Air Force has selected Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, Arizona, as the new location for the 492nd Special Operations Wing.
Sept. 12, 2025 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.
Sept. 11, 2025 Wright ANGB to gain ANG cyber operations squadrons The DAF selected a location for two ANG cyber operations squadrons.
Sept. 10, 2025 Air Force, Space Force join federal push to modernize IT service delivery, strengthen readiness The Department of the Air Force is aligning with a new federal initiative to overhaul how government services are designed and delivered, a move leaders say will sharpen warfighting readiness, increase lethality and save taxpayer dollars.
Sept. 10, 2025 Allies unite in tactical, operational C2 during Bamboo Eagle 25-3 The exercise tested joint and coalition responses to complex short-notice threats, sharpening speed, flexibility and cooperation to defend national and allied interests.
Sept. 10, 2025 US, Norway test maritime strike in High North The U.S. Air Force partnered with Norwegian allies to test next-generation precision maritime strike capabilities in the Norwegian Sea.
Sept. 9, 2025 New Hampshire ANG to spearhead KC-46A modernization with new test force The Air National Guard Air Force Reserve Command Test Center established its first-ever KC-46A Combined Test Force during a ribbon-cutting ceremony.
Sept. 8, 2025 AMC reactivates 21st AF, realigns Numbered Air Force structure The NAF activation and command structure realignment allows AMC and subordinate units to achieve a more effective posture, diversify mission sets and better equip Airmen to project and sustain power at relevant speed, scale and distance in support of national strategic objectives.
Sept. 5, 2025 Around the Air Force: Collaborative Combat Aircraft, Alternative Navigation Milestone, Testing Helicopters vs. Fighters In this week's look around the Air Force, a new CCA platform takes a big step toward flying alongside manned fighter jets, alternative navigation software tests internal GPS measures, and the ANG tests helicopter countermeasures against fighter jets.
Sept. 2, 2025 Space Force to accept Air Force Reserve volunteers for part-time positions Air Force Reservists in space-related career fields interested in volunteering to join the U.S. Space Force as Guardians serving in a part-time capacity can apply.
Sept. 2, 2025 Northern Edge 2025 wraps up across Alaska Northern Edge 2025, a multi-domain, joint field-training exercise led by U.S. Indo-Pacific Command and held throughout Alaska, concluded this week after showcasing the U.S. military’s expanded capabilities in the Arctic and north-western Pacific theater.
Aug. 29, 2025 Around the Air Force: DLE Lessons Learned, X-37B Lifts Off, Guardian Uniform Guidance In this week's look around the Air Force, the DLE series concludes after one month of readiness and interoperability training missions, the eighth X-37B OTV mission successfully launches, and the Space Force publishes new instruction outlining dress and appearance standards for Guardians.
Aug. 27, 2025 Collaborative Combat Aircraft, YFQ-42A takes to the air for flight testing The Department of the Air Force reached a key development milestone in its Collaborative Combat Aircraft program, with one of its prototype platforms taking flight in less than two years from program launch.
Aug. 27, 2025 Air Force tests helicopter countermeasures over water in Total Force exercise A first-of-its-kind exercise evaluated the effectiveness of countermeasures in a maritime environment and evaluated the helicopters' defensive capabilities against modern aerial threats.
Aug. 26, 2025 US Air Force Reserve leaders strengthen ties with Philippine air force A U.S. Air Force Reserve delegation visited Manila to meet with Philippine air force leaders and discuss the Reserve Allies and Partners Program.