The Air Force has revised its guidelines to contractors vying for the new combat search and rescue aircraft, asking them to plan to introduce more capability sooner. According to Reuters news service, over the next five years, USAF plans to add $849 million to the effort to replace its HH-60 CSAR helicopters. With the additional funds, Air Force Special Operations Command can advance delivery of aircraft with a full complement of equipment. The change probably will delay contract award from spring to late summer.
AETC Readies for 1st Production T-7 Trainer
Dec. 5, 2025
Air Education & Training Command is poised to receive its first T-7A Red Hawk in the coming days, the start of a process that will end with pilots finally getting trained in the eagerly anticipated jet.

