Tag: usaf
15 articles
USAF C-17 Lands in Moscow Amid Heightened Tensions
In a bold move, a US Air Force C-17 Globemaster III landed at Moscow's Vnukovo International Airport on August 25, 2026, amid rising tensions between the US and Russia. The aircraft, operating under callsign RCH4555, departed Riga just hours earlier, sparking widespread interest and attention.
USAF Winds Down A-10 Warthog Weapons School
Meet Maj. Alex "Trippin" Boules, one of the last A-10 weapons instructor pilots, who shares what makes the A-10 Weapons School a game-changer: teaching pilots to master their aircraft and seamlessly integrate with larger operations. The school's legacy, built over nearly 50 years, is a testament to the power of expert training.
USAF's X-62A Autonomously Intercepts Target with AI-Driven Sensor Data
In a major breakthrough, the X-62A aircraft successfully intercepted a target using AI-driven sensor data to guide its moves in real-time, executing 27 flawless intercepts across eight flights. This cutting-edge test, dubbed "Have Heat," marks a significant milestone in the development of autonomous combat capabilities.
F-15EX Expands Mission Set with Air-to-Ground Capabilities
The Oregon Air National Guard's 142nd Wing just took a major leap forward with its F-15EX Eagle II, successfully completing its first-ever air-to-ground bombing training missions at Mountain Home Air Force Base in Idaho. Over 10 flawless missions, the crew dropped 36 inert training bombs with perfect scores and zero safety incidents.
USAF Hosts Anduril's Fury Loyal Wingman for Agile Combat Trials
The US Air Force is pushing the boundaries of combat innovation with Anduril's Fury Loyal Wingman, a cutting-edge aircraft being tested at Creech AFB, Nevada, as part of Agile Combat Trials. This game-changing exercise is bringing together humans and machines to revolutionize air combat operations.
USAF Tanker Operations at Ben Gurion Airport Face New Limits
Israel's Transportation Minister Miri Regev has set a new limit of 20 U.S. Air Force refueling tankers at Ben Gurion Airport, ensuring that commercial flights won't be disrupted and thousands of travelers' plans remain on track. This move allows remaining tankers to land at nearby Air Force bases instead.
China's J-20 Exposes Refueling Limitations
New high-resolution photos reveal the J-20's mid-air refueling probe, highlighting a key difference between China's advanced fighter jet and the US Air Force's F-22. The images provide a glimpse into the J-20's refueling capabilities, or limitations.
White House Proposes Raid on Navy E-2 Account to Fund USAF E-7s
The White House is shaking up its budget plans, proposing a $1.5 billion shift to fund the Air Force's E-7 Wedgetail program, a move that would siphon funds from the Navy's E-2D aircraft procurement. This significant reallocation aims to fast-track the development of two E-7 Wedgetail prototype aircraft.
USAF Accelerates Production of General Atomics, Anduril Drones
The US Air Force is ramping up production of cutting-edge drones from General Atomics and Anduril, aiming to deploy highly advanced semi-autonomous systems that stay ahead of emerging threats. This accelerated production move follows a competitive selection process, and marks a major milestone in the development of Collaborative Combat Aircraft.
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.
USAF Scrambles to Buy Scarce MQ-9 Reapers After Heavy Losses
The US Air Force is on a mission to replenish its fleet of MQ-9 Reapers, and it's turning to General Atomics for help, with plans to buy several unused MQ-9A Block 5 aircraft. The scramble comes as General Atomics reveals an alarmingly small inventory of just a handful of new MQ-9As available worldwide.
USAF Pursues Modular MQ-9 Replacement
The US Air Force is pushing the boundaries of innovation with its MQ-9 Replacement program, envisioning a modular, multi-role aircraft that can easily swap out sensors, weapons, and fuel for unparalleled flexibility. Gen. John Lamontagne likens the vision to an iPhone, with simple, controllable software that can be quickly updated and customized.
USAF Deploys Upgraded ULTRA Surveillance Drones to Middle East
The US Air Force has taken a major leap forward with its ULTRA Surveillance Drones, successfully completing a 60-hour flight at 25,000 feet and 100 knots - now, a turbocharged variant is set for operational testing in the Middle East. This next phase will see the drone put through its paces in a real-world setting within US Central Command's area of responsibility.
Pentagon Releases Video of F-16 Shooting Down Balloon Over Lake Huron
The Pentagon has just released thrilling infrared video showing an F-16 fighter jet taking down a mysterious balloon over Lake Huron - listen to the cockpit audio for a candid pilot comment. The stunning footage was declassified through the Presidential Unsealing and Reporting System for UAP Encounters.
USAF Nearly Doubles F-15EX Fighter Jet Buy
The US Air Force is significantly ramping up its F-15EX fighter jet acquisition, nearly doubling its previous order to a total of 267 aircraft. This massive expansion, now set to include 24 additional jets in the fiscal 2027 budget, marks a substantial boost to the program.