The 27th Fighter Squadron from Langley AFB, Va., employed its new F-22As in their first real-world application, flying Operation Noble Eagle missions on Jan. 21 and 22. The sorties also were the first in which the Raptors carried live ordnance, said Lt. Col. James Hecker, 27th FS commander. He added, “Most of our pilots have done this before, but not with the Raptor. It’s a big step for us and a big step for the Raptor program.”
F-15E Aviator Missing in Iran Rescued by US Forces
April 5, 2026
The second crew member of the F-15E shot down April 3 has been rescued from Iran. U.S. forces recovered the aviator alive and all American forces involved in the operation are believed to be safe, U.S. officials told Air & Space Forces Magazine.