Tag: us air force
42 articles
Air Force Activates Unit for HH-60W Evacuation Missions in DC
The Air Force has activated the 5th Helicopter Squadron at Joint Base Andrews, which will operate 26 HH-60W Jolly Green II helicopters for critical evacuation missions in the National Capital Region. This new unit will train aircrew, establish maintenance processes, and prepare for its national security mission.
US Air Force Accelerates $2.9 Billion B-52 Radar Modernization
The US Air Force just took a major step forward with its $2.9 billion B-52 Radar Modernization program, awarding two new contracts worth $766 million to RTX/Raytheon and Boeing to upgrade the bombers' radar systems and bomb rack equipment. This move comes despite a Government Accountability Office report warning that the program may deliver less capability at a higher cost.
US Air Force Awards Boeing $131 Billion F-15 Contract
The US Air Force has awarded Boeing a whopping $131.2 billion contract to support the F-15 family through production, upgrades, and sustainment, a deal that will run through August 2037. This massive Eagle Crest contract is set to streamline future F-15 requirements and accelerate delivery of critical capabilities to the warfighter.
US Air Force Seeks New Explosives for F-117 Tailhook System
The US Air Force is on a mission to breathe new life into its F-117 Nighthawks, with plans to keep the stealth jets flying until at least 2034 - and that means finding fresh explosive charges for a critical emergency system. They're on the hunt for new cartridge-actuated devices and propellant-actuated devices to keep the F-117's tailhook system in working order.
Air Force Grapples with Procurement Pace
The US Air Force's secure network is hindered by sluggish procurement timelines, with the Government Accountability Office finding that major federal acquisitions can take years to complete, stifling efforts to modernize connectivity and keep pace with rapidly evolving technologies and mission demands. It's a contracting conundrum that's causing friction, with one expert noting that the speed of acquisition simply isn't keeping up with mission requirements.
Damaged KC-135 Tanker Enters Tinker AFB Repair Facility
The damaged KC-135 tanker, serial 63-8017, has arrived at Tinker Air Force Base's Oklahoma City Air Logistics Complex for a thorough repair and scheduled maintenance, following a midair collision over Iraq that tragically claimed the lives of the crew on board the other tanker. The aircraft is set to undergo extensive repairs, combining damage patching with its regular 5-year maintenance.
US Exposes Hypersonic Edge in Pacific Exercise
The US Air Force made a bold move in the Pacific, kicking off exercise PACIFIC ARCHER on June 17 with a rapid deployment of hypersonic-missile-equipped aircraft to the Second Island Chain, sending a clear message with its show of force.
Air Force Realigns F-15E Fleet
Big news for Whiteman Air Force Base in Missouri: it's been selected as the new home for a 24-aircraft F-15E Strike Eagle mission, a critical move that will preserve the Air Force Reserve's combat capabilities. This development follows the Department of the Air Force's approval of the enterprise definition and site survey criteria.
US Air Force Explores Commanding Australian MQ-28 Ghost Bat Drones
The US Air Force is pushing the boundaries of drone technology with the MQ-28 Ghost Bat, a cutting-edge Australian drone that's being tested in a historic partnership with US forces. Gen. Kevin Schneider reveals that the MQ-28's successful integration with US test units at Exercise Valiant Shield 2026 marks a major milestone in collaborative combat aircraft development.
Air Force Resumes B-52 Radar Testing After Deadly Crash
The Air Force is reevaluating its testing schedule for the B-52 radar modernization program after a devastating crash on June 15 killed an eight-person crew, and plans to resume testing using another Stratofortress. The program's goal is to keep the 75 aging bombers flying until at least the 2050s.
US Air Force Weighs Expanding B-21 Raider Fleet Beyond 100 Aircraft
Northrop Grumman and the US Air Force are working together to analyze the possibility of expanding the B-21 Raider Fleet beyond 100 aircraft, thanks to a flexible production agreement that allows for accelerated production. This comes on the heels of a 25 percent boost in annual B-21 production capacity.
Iran Threatens UK Air Base After US Bombers Launch Strikes
Iran has issued a stark warning to a UK air base, threatening it as a legitimate target if used to launch attacks on Iranian territory, after US bombers took off from the base to carry out strikes. The base, RAF Fairford in England, has also recently welcomed electronic warfare aircraft, heightening tensions.
US Military Bolsters Air Command in Middle East
At Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar, the Combined Air Operations Center leads the charge, commanding air power across 20 nations, including Iraq, Syria, and Afghanistan, with a team of joint and coalition forces working together seamlessly. This powerhouse center enables rapid reaction and precision control, ensuring safe and effective air and space operations.
Air Force Taps Fiber for Next-Gen Training and Research Networks
The Air Force is revolutionizing its training and research networks by harnessing the power of fiber, combining lit and dark fiber to create a cutting-edge modernization strategy. By leveraging both, they're gaining rapid deployability and customized control over security, performance, and network configuration.
T-7 Red Hawk Trainer Jet Program Hits Airworthiness, Sustainment Snags
The Air Force's T-7 Red Hawk trainer jet program, meant to train the next gen of pilots, is facing major hurdles with the first 82 aircraft projected to fly with a serious airworthiness risk. This alarming issue is just one of many technical, contractual, and budgetary challenges plaguing the program's path to the fleet.
Air Force Weighs $1.5B Engine Deal with GE in T-7 'Horse Trade
The US Air Force is considering a game-changing $1.5 billion engine deal with GE Aerospace, a move that could significantly impact the T-7 Red Hawk program. This potential shift could add up to $1.5 billion in extra costs, but may also bring new efficiencies to the program.
US Air Force Accelerates $7 Billion Fightertown Upgrade in Alaska
The US Air Force is embarking on a massive $7 billion upgrade of its Alaska base, dubbed Fightertown, which promises to create a state-of-the-art fighter hub from the ground up. This ambitious project takes a holistic approach, integrating construction, aircraft procurement, and logistical needs to create a cutting-edge facility.
Air Force Grapples with Boeing Over T-7 Data Rights
The Air Force is facing a major headache in maintaining its new T-7 Red Hawk aircraft, with a high risk of sustainment issues due to a lack of technical data and parts shortages. This looming challenge threatens to severely hinder the aircraft's upkeep, a source close to the program warns.
Air Force Confirms VC-25A Jets to Remain in Service
The US Air Force quickly set the record straight: both VC-25A jets will continue to soar as part of the active executive airlift fleet, despite rumors of their retirement. Rest assured, these iconic aircraft will remain in service for now.
US Air Force Weighs Restarting C-17 Production Line
The US Air Force may revive the production line of its prized C-17 aircraft, with a House committee requesting a feasibility briefing by 2027. This move comes as the current fleet faces mounting demands from combat, humanitarian, and mobility operations.
US Air Force 737 Eyed as NASA's Next Reduced-Gravity Testbed
NASA is on the hunt for a trusty testbed to simulate reduced gravity conditions, and a Boeing 737-73W US Air Force plane has caught their eye as the perfect candidate. The space agency needs to assess the plane's suitability, make necessary modifications, and get it airworthy to support critical research, including validation testing on space suits.
US Air Force Unveils VC-25B Bridge Aircraft with Trump-Era Livery
The US Air Force's VC-25B Bridge aircraft is taking shape, sporting a bold red, white, and blue livery that echoes President Trump's preferred design for future Air Force Ones. Check out the first stunning photo of the modified Boeing 747-8i, fresh from a Texas paint job.
US Air Force KC-135 Tanker Spotted with Advanced Satellite Antenna
A KC-135 tanker has been spotted at RAF Mildenhall with a cutting-edge satellite antenna, signaling the US Air Force's commitment to modernizing its tanker fleet. The exciting development was captured on camera by aviation photographer Alessandro Ledda, and has sparked interest among defense enthusiasts.
USAF Winds Down A-10 Training Program Amid Divestment Plans
The US Air Force has wrapped up its final A-10 Warthog training course at Nellis Air Force Base, marking another milestone in the program's gradual wind-down. This development comes even as three A-10 squadrons have been given a reprieve, extending their service to 2030.