Tag: usaf
30 articles
USAF Launches Hypersonic Cruise Missile in Australian Flight Test
The US Air Force has successfully launched a Hypersonic Attack Cruise Missile in a groundbreaking flight test with its Australian partners, pushing the boundaries of long-range strike capabilities. This milestone marks a major step forward in the development of this game-changing technology.
USAF Eyes Missile Warning System for F-15EX Fighters
The US Air Force is seeking a cutting-edge missile warning system for its F-15EX fighter jets, one that can swiftly alert pilots to potential threats without causing unnecessary distractions. This new system will play a crucial role in protecting the aircraft and its crew.
USAF F-16 Crashes at Spangdahlem Air Base in Germany
A US Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcon crashed at Spangdahlem Air Base in Germany during landing approach, prompting a swift emergency response. The pilot safely ejected and is receiving attention, while the cause of the incident is under investigation.
USAF Tests Collaborative Combat Aircraft with Fighter Jets
The US Air Force is revolutionizing its fleet with a goal of 500+ collaborative combat aircraft by 2032, and the exciting tests are already underway with impressive results. General Atomics Aeronautical Systems just delivered a new FQ-42 Vengeance drone to Creech Air Force Base for continued evaluation and testing alongside F-35A and F-15E fighter jets.
USAF Weighs Reviving F-16 Production Amid Fighter Shortfall
The US Air Force is considering reviving F-16 production to address a fighter shortfall, with Lockheed Martin pitching an enhanced F-16G model featuring advanced capabilities like conformal fuel tanks and an infrared search-and-track system.
Air Force Pursues Rapid Tech Integration Amid Safety Focus
The Air Force is speeding up tech integration while prioritizing safety, with a focus on balancing urgency with caution to avoid unnecessary risks. Brig. Gen. Mark Massaro emphasizes that safety always comes first, especially given the potentially hazardous nature of their work.
USAF Courts European Allies for Collaborative Combat Aircraft Program
The US Air Force is gearing up for a game-changing fleet of collaborative combat aircraft, with a goal of 500 in service by 2032. Top leaders are now rallying European allies to join forces in this innovative program.
USAF Weighs Restarting C-17 Production Amid Airlift Revamp
The US Air Force is seriously considering reviving C-17 production as part of a major overhaul of its airlift capabilities, with a key decision expected after an upcoming Analysis of Alternatives. All options, including restarting C-17 production, are on the table as the Air Force weighs its next move.
General Atomics Accelerates FQ-42 Vengeance Drone Development
General Atomics is turbocharging development of its FQ-42 Vengeance drone, a key player in the USAF's Collaborative Combat Aircraft program, which aims to revolutionize the future of air combat. The company is making significant strides alongside its Wildfire design, geared towards the Massed Modular Aircraft program.
USAF Deploys Fighter Drones in Large-Scale Exercise
Get ready for a game-changer: the US Air Force is gearing up to deploy fighter drones in a large-scale exercise, marking a major milestone with the first live large-force employment integration for Collaborative Combat Aircraft in December. This ambitious test, dubbed Emerald Flag, will push the boundaries of mission autonomy and capabilities.
USAF Targets 500 Collaborative Combat Aircraft by 2032
Get ready for a game-changer in military aviation: the US Air Force is aiming to deploy at least 500 Collaborative Combat Aircraft by 2032, bringing autonomous fighters to the forefront of modern warfare. This ambitious plan was announced by Secretary of the Air Force Troy Meink at the Air & Space Forces Association's 2026 conference.
USAF Accelerates Reaper Replacement Amid Heavy Losses
The US Air Force is speeding up the replacement of its aging MQ-9 Reaper fleet with a new generation of remotely piloted aircraft, known as Massed Modular Aircraft (MMA), after suffering significant losses in combat operations, including at least 45 Reapers lost during recent conflicts. This accelerated transition aims to bolster the Air Force's capabilities and mitigate future risks.
USAF Pursues MQ-9 Successor at Fraction of Cost
The US Air Force is on a mission to drastically cut costs for the MQ-9 successor, aiming for a $10 million unit price for the airframe alone, roughly half the cost of current alternatives. This move comes as the service looks to minimize losses of expensive drones, with Lt. Gen. Christopher Niemi noting that even a pricier MQ-9B isn't a solution.
USAF F-15EX Heads to Japan, Bolstering Indo-Pacific Airpower
The first F-15EX Eagle II bound for Kadena Air Base in Okinawa has taken off from Boeing's St. Louis facility, marking a major milestone in bolstering Indo-Pacific airpower. This significant step brings the cutting-edge fighter jet one step closer to its new home.
USAF Targets Software Superiority Through Collaborative Innovation
The Department of the Air Force has redefined what it means to be ahead of the game: it's no longer just about having the best weapon systems, but also about having software superiority to outmaneuver and outsmart adversaries across air, land, cyber, and information domains.
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.